The Size of Michigan's Players
So obviously Michigan's team has been going through a major transition when it comes to weight, size, and speed. A couple of factors we see on paper but it will be interesting to see what happens when all of this translates to the field. I did some breaking down of the teams over the last five seasons and the 2010 class thus far. Here ya go:
2005-23 recruits
Avg. Height-6 2.5
Avg. Weight-234 lbs.
2006-19 recruits
Avg. Height-6 3
Avg. Weight-238 lbs.
2007-20 recruits
Avg. Height-6 2.5
Avg. Weight-220 lbs.
2008-24 recruits
Avg. Height-6 1.5
Avg. Weight-218 lbs.
2009-22 recruits
Avg. Height-6 0.5
Avg. Weight-211 lbs.
2010-10 recruits
Avg. Height-6 1.5
Avg. Weight-191 lbs
...without adding about 6 layers of context, this analysis really doesn't mean anything.
I just think it is pretty interesting, although simplistic, the kind of athletes that are now coming into the program. For a fan that has been watching for 20 years, not only was seeing the spread such a big change...but also seeing the players that run it.
Remember we have no linemen committed yet who are generally taller and heavier.
If the Wolverines add Gholston, three offensive linemen and two D-tackles, the average would go up significantly. even adding Seantrel Henderson by himself, would cause the average to go up 15 pounds. And then, the observation becomes a non-issue.
FAIL.
the argument for this years class guys. I mean, isn't that kind of obvious? The only reason why I put their stats up is because thus far, they are a small class. That is the reason why I showed the numbers for every season since 2005. And it is an issue worth discussing in my opinion for several reasons:
1-Can RichRod's style of going small and fast survive in the Big Ten? ex.---> McGuffie's concussion issue last season
2-Is there cause to be alarmed?
3-Is Barwis gonna be able to take these seemingly smaller athletes and make them strong enough to last 12 games. Especially since our recent failings the last couple of games a season. Minus Florida bowl game.
4-Are we gonna see less Michigan players in the NFL from now on being that their size is not NFL spec? I'm mostly talking about everyone other than linemen.
1. Injuries and size are not correlated.
2. No.
3. See answer 1.
4. Does that matter at all to you?
I still think RR wants the 300lb offensive lineman and the 250lb defensive ends. He is recruiting smaller, lighter linebackers in hope of bulking them up under Barwis. Because 210lb linebackers will get killed in the Big Ten.
One think is for sure though..offensive skill guys will be smaller than under Carr. Carr's offense had no use for 5'9" 170lb slot guys.
I don't agree about the 210lb linebackers getting killed at all. There are small LBs everywhere that succeed. How about Ian Gold, who is in the NFL from Michigan BTW, plays at about 210-215. He does pretty well.
Last season, Miami had a true Fr LB who was about 200lbs who just tore it up down there. My point, if you can play it doesn't matter what size you are(to an extent at least).
"Its not the size that matters, its how punishing, fast, agile, instinctive, coachable, and rock hard you are!"
She really said that. I was impressed....