Pearlie Graves Names Michigan Leader

Submitted by TomVH on
In an article on thewolverine.com, Pearlie Graves (4 star DT) has named Michigan the leader, and sounds like the team he will be committing to in December. Good News!
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MarvelousMartavious

November 5th, 2008 at 10:24 PM ^

Pearlie Graves is an awesome name, and we already have some great ones in this class.  Fitzgerald Toussaint, DeWayne Peace, DeQuinta Jones, and of course the one to rule them all: Shavodrick Beaver.  The potential for wordplay with that last one, sexual and not sexual, is through the roof.  Do you realize that his first name can be roughly abbreviated so that his full name reads Shavd Beaver?  I'll stop now.

Joined: 11/04/2008

MGoPoints: 8

Goblue89

November 5th, 2008 at 1:27 PM ^

I like the way RR isn't stopping from going after guys of need even when we have guys committed.  In todays recruiting world it isn't a bad idea with everybody and their mother decommitting.  I think this sends a message to guys like DeQuita Jones that if you are going to take other visits then we are going to offer other guys.  Just another reason why college football needs an early signing period like college basketball.  And I find it real interesting how last year there was this "gentlemens agreement" among coaches and magically we lose a kicker (PSU) and potentially a QB (PSU) and WR (Minn) to other Big Ten schools.  Looks like other coaches found that snake oil and bought it in bulk!

Joined: 08/28/2008

MGoPoints: 2101

TomVH

November 5th, 2008 at 3:10 PM ^

I like Graves better than DeQuinta Jones. Just from the video, I personally like him better. Jones' just didn't impress me that much.

Joined: 10/21/2008

MGoPoints: 16654

formerlyanonymous

November 5th, 2008 at 6:18 PM ^

I almost just posted a long rant about people posting that they like some new guy who is interested in us over a guy who is waivering or has fading interest based on just video and their gut reaction.  I am unaware of your ability to judge talent, but since you have done great work with recruiting articles, I will spare you the bombastic rhetoric I generally would throw at other people.  

So instead, I will ask you this, could you please explain why Graves impresses you more, and/or why Jones did not.  Is there one particular collection of plays within this video or any other quotes from him that sets one above the other?  The reason I ask is many people on this board will take your opinion as fact, then not listen to any reasoning when things don't work out the way they think it should.  

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 38964

TomVH

November 5th, 2008 at 6:50 PM ^

I agree that normally with these kids it's hard to tell based on video. However, a 4 star Defensive Tackle, to me, should be pretty dominant in his highlight video against other high schoolers. It's a little bit easier to see technique, and strength.

The main reasons I say that I like Graves better is from his highlight video he looks stronger and faster. To be fair, these are highlight videos, so he's going to look good. BUT, if you watch a video of DeQuinta Jones, he doesn't get very much penetration into the backfield. The majority of his film was him getting pushed back two yards by the O-Line, then the running back running next to him, and he grabs him and tackles him after a 4-5 yard gain. Plus, if I'm not mistaken, DeQuinta plays more DE in high school. Where as Pearlie gets into the backfield, and he does it pretty quick. He was flying around, hitting the quarterback, making tackles in the backfield. At one point, he actually threw the running back down and spun him. I just think the type of defense Rich Rod wants Pearlie fits better.

Think of having William Campbell or Mike Martin, be able to stuff the middle with a fast strong DT next to him, and Craig Roh and Anthony LaLota on the outside. I think he compliments that better.

Plus, Pearlie Graves is not a new guy that is just now liking us. He took a visit to Michigan already, has had us on his board for awhile, he's just stayed quiet. He wants to bring his family up next to show them why he likes Michigan so much.

So, take this for what it's worth, which might be nothing. But, based on the tape alone, I'm just saying that if we do lose Jones and get Pearlie, then I think we're better off anyway.

Joined: 10/21/2008

MGoPoints: 16654

WolvinLA

November 5th, 2008 at 7:25 PM ^

I like the idea of Pearlie and DeQuinta. 

If we lost one, I'd like it to be DeQuinta as well.  Plus, we have too many Jones'.  It's difficult keeping up with them.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 875