No Surprise: Bolden named 247's top LB during practice week

Submitted by drewro02 on

This would have been a pretty big surprise, I think, if he had not been selected for this:

1- Joe Bolden, Cincinnati (Ohio) Colerain

One of the least-publicized players entering the week, the Michigan commit was a hit from the first day on with his instincts and underrated feet and athleticism standing out. Bolden also was a sponge to the coaching given and by all accounts is a future leader of the Wolverines‘ defense. Bolden currently is 220 pounds, but has the frame to add 15-20 more in time.

T-Rich also received more praise, as he was named to number 4 on the CB list:

4- Terry Richardson, Detroit (Mich.) Cass Tech

Richardson, a Michigan commit, impressed everyone with his sponge-like attitude to coaching and his ability to implement that on the field. His quickness and ability to change direction impressed, but he will have to add significant strength in both the upper and lower body to reach his full potential at the college level.

Good luck to the guys tomorrow night, as they attempt to cap off a great practice week with a strong showing in the game. Go Blue!

http://247sports.com/Article/Under-Armour-Practice-Day-4-55596

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FreddieMercuryHayes

January 4th, 2012 at 7:22 PM ^

Can't be right.  He wasn't offered by OSU.

But seriously, really good to hear about both Bolden and Richardson.  Glad to hear about their coachability.  Wasn't that also a big reason why Jeremy Clark got a last minute offer because the coaches were so impressed with his coachability?  I think Bolden is going to make an impact sooner rather than later.  Also really excited for Richardson because of his closing speed, but man, he does need to add some weight.  To rehash what everyone already knows, the future looks bright.

Joined: 12/29/2010

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denardogasm

January 4th, 2012 at 7:40 PM ^

What is a realistic jump in the rankings we might see from Bolden/Richardson/Pipkins if this kind of talk continues through the game? How often do guys pick up stars based on the AA games?

Joined: 09/11/2011

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Blue boy johnson

January 4th, 2012 at 7:51 PM ^

Good news. I'd rather our recruits be like Sponge Bob than that dummy Patrick. Yummy, now I'm in the mood for a crabby patty.

Watch how quickly and with great pad level, Sponge Bob does the Campfire Song. Great execution.

 

Joined: 03/15/2009

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dennisblundon

January 4th, 2012 at 8:41 PM ^

How players respond to coaching is extremely important at the next level.(Big Will) When you get to the next level you find out how little you really know about technique. Most athletes have gotten by being bigger, faster, and stronger than their opponents. Watching some film on Pipkins, I am very impressed by his motor, especially for a kid that goes 330. Looks like a great group about to touch down on campus in the near future.

Joined: 02/23/2010

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Zok

January 4th, 2012 at 9:20 PM ^

He's definitely going to need to redshirt and even then is prob 2 years away from being good. I know its asking a lot but I wish we could get taller corners with at least 4.5ish speed. We have no business getting a guy 5'9'' or shorter unless he has ridiculous wheels (like 4.3 speed) and can return kicks/

Just look out Countess in the sugar bowl getting outjumped, and he's not even that short. Also look at all the legit WRs (6'2''+ with speed) destroying our CBs - WMU guy, Flloyd, MSU duo, McNutt, Posey, VT guy...etc All those guys got wherever they wanted against our secondary and unless we get an upgrade we'll continue to get beat over the top.

Posey did zilch against FL, and look what he did to us. Hopefully recruting picks up at CB. I think Countess will be good. He was often in pretty good position and usually only got burnt on double moves this season. I think thats just typical frosh mistakes. We need a couple more Countess' though!

Joined: 03/24/2009

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FreddieMercuryHayes

January 4th, 2012 at 10:09 PM ^

So basically we want everyone to be Charles Woodson or Patrick Peterson?  Yeah, I would take that too, but it just ain't going to happen.  And you're being to rough on Countess.  He's just a true freshman.  Remember that 2008 Cap One bowl where our cadre of upperclassmen large wide receivers torched the Florida secondary?  That's because they were all freshman and sophomores.  Freshman and sophomores who a a year later turned into one of the best secondaries in the nation and won a national championship with a little more seasoning.  I agree that  we really need elite corners to compete at an elite level, but you're being a bit hard on a true freshman and high schoolers.

Joined: 12/29/2010

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cigol

January 4th, 2012 at 10:34 PM ^

In addition, look at the hellish time our DBs had getting off of blocks. Our smaller receivers had no shot blocking or getting open as well. 5'9 people running around might cut it against the much slower receivers/secondary, but not against the elite units.

Joined: 11/21/2010

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mlax27

January 4th, 2012 at 10:57 PM ^

Look at the cornerbacks on alabama and MSU. They both specifically recruit for size at that position and have done well with it. With their front seven providing pressure and the big secondary guys playing bump and run, teams seem to have trouble getting guys open before pressure gets to the quarterback. That technique hurt us last night as well against VT. Smaller cornerbacks could really struggle against the big physical receivers in that type of system.

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