Frank Drebin

September 30th, 2010 at 9:03 AM ^

I hadn't heard this, but found it very interesting about committing before the Ala-UF game, and about Alabama moving him to D.

Chad Simmons: "I like Michigan's chances here. I've talked to Dee a number of times and at one time last week he told me that he was going to commit this week. He moved it back and decided to go ahead and follow through with the Alabama official visit. The thing is that Bama is probably going to put him on defense if he goes there. He doesn't want to play defense and it is that simple. Michigan wants him on offense.



spacemanspiff231

September 30th, 2010 at 12:11 PM ^

He's very short, only 5'8, and is probably 185 or so, even though Rivals lists him at 190.  While there are a lot of 5'8 corners out there (just look at our team), I don't see the appeal for Alabama which can recruit any 5 star 6'1 corner out there.  Furthermore, Hart doesn't play D.  While he's a top 50 player in the county at RB, my opinion is he'd be a low ranked 3 star at corner.  By the way, I keep saying corner b/c there's absolutely no other position he could play on defense.  I will say this, though.  With his agility, I bet his hip movement is phenomenal and therefore maybe Alabama see's a freak athletically that they can coach up to play corner later....  I still don't see it though. 

Magnus

September 30th, 2010 at 9:11 AM ^

I think those guys are overrating Michigan's chances with Sammy Watkins.  I don't think Watkins is very interested in coming to Michigan.

Otherwise, I agree with just about everything they said.

Frank Drebin

September 30th, 2010 at 9:14 AM ^

I get the same impression about Watkins. I also feel that it would be a gamble for Rich to pursue him too heavily because of his questionable academics that have been reported. I would think the same is true with Rawls unless they both improve in the classroom, regardless of their talents.

Magnus

September 30th, 2010 at 9:21 AM ^

I'm not a big fan of offering Rawls because a) his grades are questionable and b) we have a lot of other running backs.  If we got Rawls, I think that would give us 7 tailbacks, which is kind of a lot...

Dreisbach1817

September 30th, 2010 at 9:40 AM ^

Just curious... is there a player out there who we are NOT recruiting heavily that you would like to see us go after harder? 

I'm hoping with AJ Jordan we can finish up our WR recruiting and focus on D.  I do think we need to bring in 2 WRs with this class -- since our main targets now will be juniors/seniors next year.  Conway and Jordan would be nice.  What's your take on AJ?

 

Magnus

September 30th, 2010 at 9:52 AM ^

Well, you never know how much Michigan is involved with certain prospects unless those kids talk to the recruiting sites about Michigan.  But I'd really like to see Michigan go after Marcus Roberson, a cornerback/safety from St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida.  I'm not satisfied with our recruiting/talent in the defensive backfield right now.

I like AJ Jordan and Conway.  I obviously wouldn't mind getting an elite wide receiver, but I don't think this offense is predicated on having elite wide receivers.  The running game is what sets up the pass, so as long as those guys can block in the running game, they should be able to get open when the defense bites up on play action or moves 8 guys into the box.

Dreisbach1817

September 30th, 2010 at 10:33 AM ^

It's not predicated on having to WRs, but I'm going to reserve judgment on the value of WRs in the offense until Big 10 play is underway.  Also, just looking down the road at QBs, there's a major factor people seem to be ignoring --> Devin doesn't have Denard's speed and will be more of a passer.  And who knows if we'll get another 4.3 guy after that.  Because of that, I think WR will play a larger role in this offense down the road. 

In fact, I would say that our WRs are the most underrated part of our offense.  Tree, Tae and Stonum have been invaluable.  All will be Juniors/Seniors next year.  Hopefully, some of the young guys will develop (hoping Stokes can emerge).  But i think focusing on getting a big time WR could be a decent priority even with our offense as it stands.'

I would also love to get Marquise Williams in here.  UNC already has another dual QB coming in and latest rumors have Butch Davis out of Chapel Hill this year. 

Magnus

September 30th, 2010 at 10:52 AM ^

Well, historically, Rodriguez's offense revolves around the running game.  So even though Devin seems to be more of a passer, I have my doubts about this offense evolving into a pass-oriented one.

In the meantime, we've had wide-open receivers in just about every game this year, because everyone's terrified of Denard.  Even if Devin doesn't turn into the same kind of runner as Denard (which is probably inevitable), hopefully we can find a running back in the next year or two who will be nearly as terrifying as Denard.  And that puts us in just about the same spot, with receivers running free.

umhero

September 30th, 2010 at 12:08 PM ^

As a RS Freshman in 2003, he earned Big East Conference freshman of the year and All-Big East second-team honors for catching 41 passes and gaining 1,006 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns.

His RS sophomore year, he started seven games (suspended for the others) and caught 52 passes for 872 yards with 12 touchdowns.

He went pro following the season.

Source: Wikipedia

Magnus

September 30th, 2010 at 2:02 PM ^

No, which is why I said that finding an elite running back would make the RB slightly less terrifying.

Denard is averaging just short of 8.0 yards a carry, I think (don't quote me on that, but it's close), and Steve Slaton averaged 7.0 yards a carry one year.  If we can find our version of Steve Slaton, that would be pretty awesome.

Dreisbach1817

September 30th, 2010 at 2:13 PM ^

Seems like a perfect fit.

Not only is he a speed guy but he is also somewhat compact which means he could be a decent blocker for Denard.

Finally, Denard and Dee would have an amazing height (or lack thereof) advantage.  Both are under 6'0" and so with massive Lineman, it will be hard for the Defense to figure out whether an exchange has taken place.  In fact, I find the height issue to be a bit comical.  People in the media are saying how Denard's height is a disdvantage (the context is converting his style to the pros).  But in fact for us, it is a huge advantage because defenses have a hard time picking him up to begin with.  Add a speedy (but built) 5'8" TB, and it becomes THAT much harder to pick up the exchange.

Really hope we lock up Hart next week.

artds

September 30th, 2010 at 11:27 AM ^

Rawls seems to me to be one of those "men amongst boys" type players, i.e., he's matured physically more quickly than the competition he's playing against. This could mean good or bad things at the next level depending on whether he's still maturing or whether he's close to his peak.

 

WoodleyIsBeast

September 30th, 2010 at 11:41 AM ^

We are definitely filled at the position as it is, but Rawls is unlike any running back on our team.  The big back would be Hopkins, although he's there more for the 1 yard run and blocking.  This offense covets a smaller, quicker scat back, but Rawls is just plain built and would be effective here.  I almost liken him to a Edwin Baker, a guy that is just a strong young man.  The potential on a guy like Rawls tells my gut that I'd like to see him rocking Maize and Blue.

Dreisbach1817

September 30th, 2010 at 9:13 AM ^

I agree.  I hadn't heard this at all until the article.  So long as this remains the case, I like our chances.  But Bama could change its mind this weekend with Crowell looking like a UGA lean.

Also, is anybody else starting to be impressed by MSU's 2011 class?  While I hate to admit it, I think Sparty is putting together a very impressive class.  Landing Arnett and possibly Grant would make this a top 15 class.  I don't remember when you could say that about MSU.

Magnus

September 30th, 2010 at 1:37 PM ^

Hart might only be 5'8", but Alabama had a pretty good safety last year by the name of Javier Arenas.  Some of you might have heard of him.  He's now playing for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Arenas was listed at 5'9".

TheOracle6

September 30th, 2010 at 3:11 PM ^

I would much rather stack up on defense then bring in Dee Hart.  Gimme some lockdown DB's or another stud linebacker like Kellen Jones and if we get Dee Hart that will be an added bonus.