Reader71

January 19th, 2012 at 9:10 AM ^

There are hundreds of busts every year. Kids wash out, they get hurt, they quit football, they don't develop, etc.

Tens of kids in each of the national recruiting services' Top 200 bomb every year. The poster is clearly pissed that we missed out on a highly ranked kid, but that doesn't mean he's wrong.

FreddieMercuryHayes

January 19th, 2012 at 12:31 AM ^

Man.  Not that Payton was the type of receiver to address this, but we're really going to hurt without a receiver or two that can stretch the field in the up-coming years.  Hopefully Chesson can translate some of that track speed to the football field sooner rather than later.

Space Coyote

January 19th, 2012 at 1:20 AM ^

The only real threat Michigan had to stretch the field, even this past year, was Stonum (even though he wasn't on the field obviously).  This next year Michigan is going to struggle getting seperation from DBs.  I think the WRs Michigan has are solid and can make some plays, but none seem to have the speed to threaten deep (outside of hopefully Chesson).

As you said though, Payton wouldn't be in this category.  Michigan needs to bring in at least 2 speed guys in 2013 in my mind, much more so than possession types, even if they are a bit more of projects.  Stretching the field vertically is essential in Borges' scheme.

denardogasm

January 19th, 2012 at 2:07 AM ^

What about Drake Johnson? He's got some great speed doesn't he? Never been a receiver but unless he's wildly underrated he's probably not going to see the field as a back, and I think athletes of a D1 caliber should be able to develop good hands with enough practice and reps.

Gary_B

January 19th, 2012 at 10:52 AM ^

He doesn't have the vision or quick burst of a quality D1 tailback. I realize he is listed as a 4.4 guy but I'm not buying it for a second. Track speed is a lot different than football speed. He does not appear to have great football speed. I was actually shocked that we offered him a scholarship instead of making him a preferred walk-on. That being said, I hope he develops beyond my expectations and becomes a serviceable player.

Bluestreak

January 19th, 2012 at 4:03 AM ^

they are better off banking the scholarship for next year than give the scholarship to a recruit they don't truly want.

However, if a top rated receiver were to show interest (I'm looking at you Mr. Diggs), the staff would welcome them with open arms.

Also, they do have the option of taking walk-ons if they want to fill in bodies and WR is not the most difficult position to play for a walk-on IMHO.

Bluestreak

January 19th, 2012 at 4:03 AM ^

they are better off banking the scholarship for next year than give the scholarship to a recruit they don't truly want.

However, if a top rated receiver were to show interest (I'm looking at you Mr. Diggs), the staff would welcome them with open arms.

Also, they do have the option of taking walk-ons if they want to fill in bodies and WR is not the most difficult position to play for a walk-on IMHO.

mackbru

January 19th, 2012 at 1:24 AM ^

It's hard to feel very confident about next year's passing attack. Maybe Jerald or one of the freshmen will defy the odds right out of the box. But probably we're looking at a bunch of ninjas and Roundtree, the latest extension of the Avant/Mathews tradition of solid but slow possession receivers. God, we need a true burner. Given the loss of Koger as well, it seems safe to assume the passing attach (such as it is) will take a step back next year, no?

Jon Benke

January 19th, 2012 at 2:12 AM ^

There is a way to pass attack with a bunch of slot guys.

Michigan will have to find a way to spread things out, go 4 wide at times, and try and get their players open.  A 40 yard pass doesn't have to go 40 yards, it can easily go 15 and 25 after the catch.  I expect Roundtree to bounce back and have a big year.

Oh, and don't forget about the two true freshmen!

markinmsp

January 19th, 2012 at 12:18 PM ^

Yes, it is a nickname, and he can really jump, however, he is too slow for a wide-out. 8)

Danrad "Chicken" Knowles
6'9'', 190 lbs. | Class of 2012

    Hometown:Houston, TX
    School: Homeschool Christian Youth Association
    Position: Power Forward
    Status: Signed Houston  09/11/2011

ChuckieWoodson

January 19th, 2012 at 8:53 AM ^

I do feel a tiny bit better after seeing the picture of him (looks like he was about to drop the ball) in the picture on your page Aquaman - not sure if that was intentional, but perhaps you were trying to imply he has chronic fumblitis.

Personally, I think Clark might switch to WR - as big as he is.  I'm no expert, but I don't recall seeing many 6'4" S's?

NateVolk

January 19th, 2012 at 9:15 AM ^

Look at it as a positive we got Darboh and Chesson. They are guys who were well regarded by some great schools. They seem like high character guys who will do the work too. We aren't a safe bet for an elite wr or rb at this point. We don't have our offense in place. A recruit is left to guess what Michigan will be.