Parsing recruits' quotes on how many DT's we're taking

Submitted by Michael Scarn on

I've been wondering this for a while now.  I decided to look up the quotes we've all been so nervous about. Pipkens says:

 

They're only taking one nose guard and I can be that nose guard and come in and play for four years.

 

http://detnews.com/article/20110505/OPINION03/105050425/U-M--MSU-at-the-top-of-coveted-defensive-tackle%E2%80%99s-list#ixzz1TXyZvlW8

O'Brien says:

 

They told me that there's basically only a couple defensive tackles with offers and they will probably only take one interior guy.

 

http://mgoblog.com/diaries/tomvh-dt-danny-obrien-talks-about-michigan-camp

The prospect of only taking one DT this year is scary given the lack of depth and graduating talent. However, If you parse these quotes, it seems perfectly possible that they're simply referring to two different positions, the 3-tech and a nose.  Obviously the "one interior guy" from O'Brien is what's most scary about the quote, but being preceded directly by a reference to tackles (as opposed to Pipkens' use of nose guard), maybe we shouldn't be so worried.  Regardless, maybe O'Brien misspoke, or mistook what the staff told them.  Also, Pipkens is nose-sized and O'Brien fits better at DT.  I'm hopeful and somewhat confident we'll end up with two "interior guys".

Yes, it's an old article referenced above, but I still love this quote from Pipkens:

 

One (factor will be) the business administration program," explained Pipkins. "I know Michigan and Michigan State are up there in that particular subject.
All due respect to MSU, but Ross is a little more "up there".
 

 

ILMichFan70

July 29th, 2011 at 10:08 PM ^

I sure hope it's two. One nose and one 3-tech. I would love to have both Pipkins and O'Brien. As you mentioned given the current depth at DT, we could use these guys. It sure does sound like just one though given some of the comments that have been made

turtleboy

July 29th, 2011 at 10:54 PM ^

out around 50 times and it's not happening. Hoke says they're playing a 4-3 in either an over or under front. Anywhere from 3 to 5 hands in the dirt, depending on the offensive lineup. It's designed to stop the run, and negate any TE advantage.

 

Twin Cities Wo…

July 29th, 2011 at 10:30 PM ^

the coaches told him they were only taking one, but he thinks they will take two.

 

Exact quote: Michigan has said they're only taking one inside guy ... but I have a feeling they would take two

mejunglechop

July 29th, 2011 at 11:10 PM ^

For how many recruits call Ross a big positive, it's sad how few players actually enroll and graduate from there.

Jon Benke

July 30th, 2011 at 12:37 PM ^

I want 2 DTs - Sheldon Day and Ondre Pipkins.

I think the breakdown goes:
2 DT - Day, Pipkins .. or O'Brien
1 DE - Chris Wormley
1 OL - Jordan Diamond
2 skill players, WR or RB .. pending on if we get Dunn or not