Key players to step up next year:
Man, football season seems so far away. I can't wait to see next years team (though, at the same time, I'm slightly fearful).
Anyways, here are two players on offense and defense who I think could be set for break-out years. And when I say "set," I'm probably just expressing my hopes, rather than making a founded prediction.
On defense, I think it's easy. I'm going with Mike Williams, and Jonas Mouton. Even though we know that star rankings aren't the end all be all, both of these recruits were very highly regarded.
Mouton has gotten mixed results so far, but I'm hopeful that he can put it together for his senior season (5th year). Size and athleticism won't be an issue for him. Hopefully a second year in GERG's defense will produce better results.
Williams had some injuries last season, and then couldn't really find the field anymore. I don't know if his playing time as injury-driven, or a coaches decision. Like Mouton, this is an incredibly athletic kid who I'm hoping improves in his second year.
Both players play a position with thin depth, so their success could go a long way towards helping us.
Offensively, I'm going with Stonum and Shaw. Both of them play a position where we have more depth than on defense, so I think their success is maybe less critical (is there such a thing) than that of Williams and Mouton.
I hate to bring up Stonum again (or am I just going for the reverse jinx here? hmm), but I think he's worth discussing.
Though he turned in a great year on special teams, his 2009 receiving stats were pretty equal to 2008, and he only caught one pass once we started our post-DSU slide. I tread carefully, because I know the passing game depends on a number of factors, but I just didn't see him get targeted deep at all.
I have incredibly high expectations for him (can't explain why) and I think he could be our next big time receiver. If he can haul in some deep jump balls, I think that goes a long way towards opening up the rest of the offense.
Finally, we have Mike Shaw. He was a bit of an after thought, since he didn't switch until signing day. I'm not sure what the expectations were for him, but suddenly he finds himself as the lone running back with an real experience. He's been doing his best Carlos Brown impression, but I think the next 9 months could be crucial for him.
He's got the leg-up on the youngester because of his experience. At RB, I prefer a guy that can be counted on to know the play and secure the football to a guy who is real explosive but mistake prone. Shaw is that guy. Having said that, I think he could quickly find himself behind Mike Cox, (har har) Fitz Touisant, and Vincent Smith (once he returns) if he doesn't seize the job by September.
What do you guys think?
December 10th, 2009 at 7:31 PM ^
I think the guy who can have the biggest impact on the team may be William Campbell. If he can shore up a starting spot that allows the line to re-shuffle, I think that would be absolutely huge. Seeing the way Nebraska and Alabama played defense in their conference championship games just confirmed for me how important the interior d-line is to a great defense. If Campbell can become an impact player inside, he allows Van Bergen and Martin to move to their more natural positions while simultaneously having fewer blockers to deal with. A bigger line across the board allows Gerg to deploy Roh as a pass rushing terror off the edge with the other three occupying blockers. That group should also be stronger against the run (not as easy to push around if they add weight at every single position).
I think the problems at safety and linebacker can't help but be improved as we add experience, depth, and talent to the depth chart (not to mention a second year in the same defensive system). If Campbell can emerge as a quality player, however, the d-line could be very good and that makes each and every other unit of the defense better.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:40 AM ^
Have to agree with you on Cambell, at 6'5 330 lbs he his a beast. He can finally give us that push up the middle. Nice call on Mr. Cambell.
I know that Denard came in late compared to Tate, but he needs to be on the field. He is to fast and to much of a play maker to have on the sidelines for 45/60 offensive plays each game. He is way to explosive!!
His first play was to the house!! Enough said, ya against WMU but he still made something happen. That's what you need.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:12 AM ^
I hope ball security is stressed to Denard. I agree he needs to be on the field in more, even w Tate on the field, which I didn't care for in the tUOS game. New wrinkles for him will be easier to implement over spring ball and during the summer.
December 12th, 2009 at 9:40 AM ^
Agreed, I would even go as far to say that he could use coaching from Fred Jackson if he is going to run with the ball as much as he did this season. Not only did he have poor ball security, but he always seemed to just run in a straight line, he only made defenders miss with his speed alone. Maybe RR/Mcgee tell him to run that way? I don't know
December 10th, 2009 at 7:35 PM ^
The J.T.'s (Turner and Floyd) so Woolfolk can move back to safety and
Koger and Forcier - for obvious reasons. I'm not so worried about Shaw, b/c I think one of the RB's is bound to emerge and be competent.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:39 PM ^
I was surprised, shocked really, how many drops he had in '09. I'm hoping like heck he bounces back. He has the potential for greatness.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:49 PM ^
Defense: If I can pick 3 to become every-down servicing, it would be Turner, Campbell and (incoming) M.Robinson. But, you could easily say Michigan needs marked improvement in about 7-8 positions defensively, or more, with the loss of Graham and possibly Warren. 3 doesn't seem like enough to get to decent on this side of the ball. We need the whole unit to really gain instinctive reaction to assignments in the defensive sets, and bulk up. Any players able to elevate to impacting status on D would be great. Martin is probably the one definite returning starter that is already "impacting".
Offense: If I can pick 3, it would be a staple RB from any of the solid candidates, Koger and, of course, Forcier. I think that the line and the receivers are going to be ok.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:00 PM ^
On O
Fitz Toussiant. Sleeper candidate to win the TB job, IMHE. This might be more of a who I cant wait to see play in the spring game. but, with v. smith up in the air, big playing time can be in front of Toussiant. He pretty much was the same level of recuit as LaMichael James, who broke out as a RS Frosh this year for Oregon, so I'm thinking good and pie-in-the-sky thoughts for Fitz this offseason.
I also want to see if Roundtree continues to improve....his numbers extrapolated for a full season, well, whoa.
On D, I am with the OP in not giving up hope on Williams, but I'm looking elsewhere on the D, and I'll just offer one: JT Turner.
Another Oregon comparison, but in their class this season, the top defensive player was DB Cliff Harris. He missed summer practice thanks to clearinghouse issues. Yet, by mid season, he was a starting CB for them and will be at the Rose Bowl.
So, it leaves me bitching about our luck with Turner this year, but very very high on his obvious upside and his place on the team next year. This kid needs to have an impact for the D to improve.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:17 PM ^
I hope Roundtree does a lot of work trying to improve his speed before next season. If he is able to find that extra gear, he could become a very good possession receiver or deep threat in this offense.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:02 PM ^
I am interested to see how they use Jeremy Gallon next year. One would have to think his speed is too valuable of an asset to leave on the sidelines.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:44 PM ^
my friend who is friends with the receivers says Cam Gordon is about to blow up this year.
With him, Gallon, Stonum, a healthy Tay, Rountree, etc. That's a lot of competition.
Sheesh, I'm already getting excited!
December 10th, 2009 at 9:11 PM ^
As far as internet rumors go didn't Cam decid to move to D after seeing all the depth at WR?
I think I saw it on GBMW.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:45 AM ^
Seeing the improvement from 2008 to 2009 was awesome, and to have made such progress with such young talent (very promising). Have to think big things in 2010, more reps for those WR's like you said. Offense continues to improve look for the defense to be better in two years (2011 10-2 and BCS game).
December 10th, 2009 at 8:04 PM ^
shows just how important it is everyone steps up. Offensively, two guys for me are Molk and Tate, the backbone of the offense. Molk to steady the offensive line and make the right reads, and Tate to use sound judgment and manage the game. Defensively, there are a few ways to go, but I will pick Will Campbell and whoever plays opposite Justin Turner. Justin at the very least should be okay; if we can have the other guy play okay, that will go a long way in limiting big plays in the secondary. If Will can play up to expectations, he will be a force along with the rest of a suddenly veteran defensive line. I must pick a third guy too, one of the linebackers has got to get his head screwed on right and make some good plays.
Until I got to the linebackers, I was starting to feel pretty good about things...oh well...
December 10th, 2009 at 8:10 PM ^
Semi OT question that I didn't want to post as a new topic:
Does anyone know which freshman was accused of the sexual assault? Even though it is likely he will not be charged, I wouldn't mind knowing for expectation purposes........
December 10th, 2009 at 8:11 PM ^
I'm officially off the Mike Williams bandwagon. If I find out his issues this past year were because of injuries I may retract that statement, but he was pretty bad last year, and it was his third year on the team. With all the young DB's who will be on the team this fall, MW may have buried himself on the depth chart for good.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:31 PM ^
Mike Williams also played under 3 different coordinators in 3 years, and has played about 4 positions. That shouldn't excuse his play on the field, but I just think all the players need continuity (which they're getting for the first time in forever), and that should cut down on a few mental mistakes.
I'm hoping these few mental mistakes include 60-yard touchdown passes given up.
December 10th, 2009 at 9:25 PM ^
MW didn't have it very easy for him with 3 coordinators, but some of his shortcomings weren't schematic. Also, Warran and Woolfolk were also in their 3rd DC, and they both looked much better (and Woolfolk was a lower rated recruit).
December 11th, 2009 at 12:13 PM ^
Williams has all the physical tools, but I don't think he has the instincts, play reading ability or decision making skills to be more than a good safety. I know he was out there trying to make plays and doing his best, but seeing him chase the running back into the line of scrimmage multiple times after getting burned by Juice pulling it out and run right around him was enough for me. He sees that play every day in practice...Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.
December 10th, 2009 at 10:32 PM ^
You find the scheme that makes you a better tackler and cover man, and you'll make a bunch of money someday as a coach.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:32 PM ^
Will probably step up next year or he may miss the game.
http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/ot-mini-me-michigan-fan
December 10th, 2009 at 8:55 PM ^
I desperately hope the 2009 #1 recruits from OH and MI can have the kind of impact one would expect from guys with such lofty status. I'd also like to see Vlad and Lalota make an impression.
As far as ILBs go, I don't have a good feeling about Mouton. I hope to God we find someone with LB intuition.
Offensively:
Tate IMPROVES over the course of the year
Line continues to mature and gel
WRs get better
RBs stay healthy
I can't believe we have to wait another 8/9 months to see what happens. Ugh!
December 10th, 2009 at 9:11 PM ^
That's what spring ball is for. Aren't you excited to watch tape of the scrimmage and then argue about whether the offense is really awesome, or the defense really bad? Don't you wanna know how much our players can clean and press with Barwis?
December 10th, 2009 at 9:22 PM ^
I think Taylor Lewan is going to be a Huge deal next year. He's got the potential to start at LT, and he's definitely going to have the size after another winter/spring/summer of Barwis. Omameh is also going to be awesome, I feel like 'run to the left' is going to be a new staple again. Look for a lot of left side inside zone looks with 4-WR sets, with Omameh blocking linebackers into next week, and weak side (Koger and Shaw both lined up to the right) sets.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:18 PM ^
I love your optimism and think that Lewan has a ton of potential, but hoping for a redshirt freshman offensive lineman to have a huge positive impact is setting yourself up for disappointment. Even if he does somehow gain the strength and bulk in one year it normally takes 3 years to build up to take on 3rd, 4th and 5th year defensive linemen in the big ten, he will be extremely inexperienced and prone to fakes, stunts, moves, the speed and intensity of the game, etc. Not to mention, he only started playing offensive line and learning the techniques as a senior in high school.
December 11th, 2009 at 8:57 PM ^
I could be mistaken but I think Hutchinson and Backus started for M in 97 as redshirt freshman
December 12th, 2009 at 10:52 AM ^
They did start, but doesn't that prove my point? Those guys were both ridiculous and Hutchinson is considered the best guard in the NFL right now. Backus was a first round draft pick.
Don't get me wrong...I wish for all the world that Lewan will be as good as those guys, I'm just saying it is not very likely that he is. They both probably played on the offensive line their entire HS careers as well.
Maybe a first round talent left tackle comes along every 6 years...that would be nice.
http://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1997fbt.htm
December 10th, 2009 at 9:47 PM ^
I just realized that next year we won't have any players that we definitely know will play in the NFL someday. When's the last time that happened?
December 10th, 2009 at 9:59 PM ^
What about Stonum, Hemingway, and probably Martin?
December 10th, 2009 at 10:29 PM ^
You think Stonum and Hemmingway are DEFINITELY playing in the NFL? If you can't combine your stats to surpass 30 receptions, chances are you guys aren't prospects. Martin is the best prospect you listed.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:56 AM ^
Martin WILL play in the NFL. He's the best player on the team if Warren leaves.
December 10th, 2009 at 11:21 PM ^
IMO, Denard is fast enough to play in the NFL someday. He just has to develop at some other position(not this year), but he will for sure be playing in the NFL someday.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:37 AM ^
Zero pre-season all-americans doesn't mean that we won't have any legitimate NFL talent. More players are now going to have the opportunity to show their talent, and impress NFL scouts next season.
December 10th, 2009 at 10:38 PM ^
I really don't see it getting any better. Hopefully, I am wrong.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:50 AM ^
JB Fitzgerald, because I don't think Obi Ezeh will ever put it all together. I wouldn't be surprised if our d line is very good and secondary is decent, but good god, we need linebackers!
December 11th, 2009 at 12:54 AM ^
Offense:
Tate: needs to be a better decision maker; run the offense 1st, make plays 2nd
OTs: need to be able to protect in dropback passing situations
Defense:
Roh: he's going to be great, but he needs to get there ASAP b/c we need a playmaker on the DL and it's almost impossible to do from a DT spot unless you are Kong (Ndamukong Suh) or Glenn Dorsey. Roh is the most likely to come anywhere near to Graham level (but who can, really?)
ILBs: this is an absolute must; we need two guys who can make routine plays on a 100% consistent basis
JT Turner, Cullen Christian, and Marvin Robinson: yes, it's a lot to ask of redshirt and true freshmen, but we need guys who can make all the plays that DBs are required to make. Woolfolk can play, but he's the only one who doesn't scare the crap out of me. Kovacs is good down in the box, but that free safety position also has to be able to play a deep zone at times, too.
I guess I could have just said "everyone on defense not named Woolfolk, Mike Martin, and Ryan Van Bergen."
December 11th, 2009 at 12:25 PM ^
I'm hoping that Mouton fulfills his promise this next year. He was basically out all of the last off season and missed spring practice plus more time. To me, he seemed to get better toward the end of last year. I think he bulks up a little bit more and it will help to have a bigger/stronger Roh in front of him. He consistently gave up the edge I thought, be I think that can be corrected with a strong offseason. He's a good tackler, excellent blitzer and has the speed to play good coverage. Can he put it all together? I'm holding out hope he can.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:26 AM ^
I think I have to go with W. Campbell, and JT Turner. If both of them step up we can have a good year. As far as Mike Williams is concerned, I think it is obvious that he was overrated coming out of HS. I also think Marvin Robinson should be able to beat him out easy, unless he makes a hugh improvment, to many times last year he screwed us (fans, team, etc.). I'm not worried about the O, if they secure the ball we will be fine there.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:01 PM ^
I totally agree W. Campbell will be key for the D for all the reasons stated above.
Our senior D- linemen will need to step up big time. Assuming Campbell, Martin and Van Bergen are the starters we may be up the proverbial creek if either Martin and/or Campbell go down or simply get worn down. Sagesse, Banks and Patterson have to be able to play quality minutes next year.
I am cautiously optimistic our D will be much improved even if we red shirt every in coming (summer enrollee)freshman. Our safteys will improve with a better understanding of the defense and their role within the scheme and more competition.
A strong front 3/4 will by default make our inside LB's better and if we can get pressure with only the d-line our pass coverage will be better by default as well.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:34 PM ^
My hopes for next year:
QBs: Tate stays healthy, Denard learns his check downs, and Devin either plays some (aka a sign of greatness to come) or redshirts (and is happy with that).
RBs: One guy steps up. I don't want to see a 3 or 4 man rotation. I don't think any good can come from that. I'm hoping for a 75/25 split between the top guy and his backup.
WR/TE: No need to worry here.
O-Line: Molk stays healthy, Lewan develops, and Quintin Washington pushes for a starting role.
D-Line: Roh makes strides in respect to losing the effect of BG taking pressure off, and William Campbell makes the sophomore jump that all great Michigan linemen seem to make.
LBs: Just better than last year, please. If Ezeh or Mouton turns it up a little bit, but the other stays stagnant - I'll take that.
DBs: Vlad or JT Turner prove they can handle a starting role and one other guy (pick one) makes a jump to "wow, this is much better than last year".
Overall I think you'll see a better offense assuming our QBs can make strides / stay healthy. The defense's progress will be based on answering the question of "If you lose your two best players, but get much, much deeper - does that help?". I think the answer to that is yes, but not significantly better.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:11 PM ^
Look at all the four star WR recruits we have on the roster:
Stonum
Roundtree
Gallon
Stokes
C. Gordon.
In other words, we could go 5 wide and have only four-star recruits out there. And that doesn't even include Hemmingway or Odoms.
I realize stars don't mean that much, but it kinda pisses me off when ND can get mad production out of Tate and Floyd, and we can barely find a receiver to run a deep route.
I'm fine with the "spread it out" approach. In fact, I think its great that Forcier is hitting so many different receivers. However, someone is gonna have to learn to catch the deep ball. That's been missing for two years now.
December 12th, 2009 at 12:44 AM ^
I think you're a little off base here.
How many times are we running routes where a WR can catch a deep ball? How good is Tate at throwing the deep ball?
If I had to break it down in terms of why we haven't had deep ball success it would be:
70% lack of deep balls in the playbook
20% lack of Henne at QB
10% lack of WR getting separation deep
So I don't think our WRs are the issue, personally...
December 12th, 2009 at 10:11 AM ^
Uh...
Gallon, Stokes, and Gordon were all freshman last year. Gallon is all of about 5'8" and I believe Gordon has been moved to defense. Roundtree isn't fast enough to be a deep threat, and Stonum has the speed but has real problems adjusting to the ball when it is thrown. I'm really excited about Stokes, but he was a freshman! Freshman don't often make an impact, or a significant one, especially when they're not consensus 5* products (i.e. Julio Jones).
We don't have a dynamic receiver, and I believe this is why the coaching staff has taken to recruiting 4 wide receivers this year.