Team 134 Freshmen reports to camp tomorrow - who are you most excited about?
Pretty exciting time for these kids as they meet together tomorrow for the 1st time as a team. I am very excited about all these players as they begin to represent the maize & blue, but Derrick Green will be one that I will be anxious to hear reports on throughout camp. Here's to a great camp with minimal injuries for team134
GO BLUE!!
freshman. My bad.
then Taco and Dymonte......I think those three will have a big impact on this team.
For some reason, I always read "Dymonte" as "Dyn-o-mite!".
from your avatar.
I think the freshman I'm most anxious about is Shane Morris as his early development could be pivotal if heaven forbid something were to happen to Gardner.
Mattison + able blitzer = eeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
August 2nd, 2013 at 11:15 AM ^
Is the highlight reel considered cheating?
This man will bring the pain.
Derrick Green, Taco Charlton, and Jake Butt
and Morris
Derrick Green is already the favorite to win the Maxwell.
August 2nd, 2013 at 10:28 AM ^
Yup, I'd agree with many about Green, Thomas, and Charlton. But, I also tend to think we will see some McCray this year, so I'm excited about him too. He's equally highly rated as Charlton is, although he's not 6'6" 265 so I can understand he doesn't generate the same buzz. I'm really excited about the offensive line class, but it will take a few years to see that talent see meaningful snaps, but I'm excited to see an upgrade of talent on the o-line.
August 2nd, 2013 at 10:27 AM ^
Does this mean we get to find out everyone's new weights tomorrow? This will be an exciting full day of roster over-analysis!
August 2nd, 2013 at 11:41 AM ^
Remember. All weight gain is good news. All weight loss is good news. It's either more pounds of muscle or fewer pounds of fat. There are no other options.
August 2nd, 2013 at 12:10 PM ^
That is exactly why I look forward to it. It is the most dependable bit of news that is a guaranteed-positive every year.
August 2nd, 2013 at 10:46 AM ^
Jake Butt will make some important catches throughout this upcoming season.
August 2nd, 2013 at 10:48 AM ^
This year? Green. Future? Morris.
August 2nd, 2013 at 10:49 AM ^
I think we have too many RS FR for anyone on the DL to contribute significantly (barring injury of course). Too much returning for McCray also, IMO.
The big 3 are Morris, Dymonte Thomas and Derrick Green. They all will be REQUIRED to make significant contributions on the field.
the only others are maybe one of the FR TEs and CBs, but there are 2-3 options for each of those so hopefully one guy can emerge for each position
August 2nd, 2013 at 11:20 AM ^
I agree with MOST of what you wrote, but if Morris is "required" to make a significant contribution, that's not good at all.
August 2nd, 2013 at 12:30 PM ^
I guess my perspective is that every 2nd string QB makes a significant contribution, even if it's with mop-up duty. the position is just too critical and it's pretty likely that we'll need him to play (based on likelyhood of injury to a starting QB)
Remember Nebraska last year? That essentially cost Michigan the Division title. There will come a point somewhere in the season that Morris will have to step in a meaningful game at a meaningful drive and not look like a deer in headlights.
We all saw in its grand glory what happens once a Defense (even a very average one) figures out the a QB is no threat to the offensive game plan. At minimum, Morris needs to be able to make the basic throws (Fades, Hitches, Square Outs, Bubble Screen...oh wait) in the heat of a game to force a Defense to be honest. Even if he only plays 2 or 3 meaningful series through out the whole year. It will be important.
*****Of course I am more than content to see Morris only in 3 of the first 4 games collecting about 6 quarters of experience (the 2nd half of each cupcake game). Effectively handing the ball off to whoever and making the occasional throw. Then moth ball him for the balance of the year.*******
August 2nd, 2013 at 11:22 AM ^
I hope to God that Morris won't be making a significant contribution on the field, because it meant bad things happened to Gardner.
At most, I hope Shane has significant 3rd, 4th quarter experience in 40 point blowouts.
August 2nd, 2013 at 11:29 AM ^
I agree about the DL except for WDE. Taco's probably third up there behind Clark and Ojemudia. He could see time as a third down pass rush guy if he has success, if the other two struggle, or with one of the others if they want to get an additional pass rush threat on the field in third and long.
August 2nd, 2013 at 11:09 AM ^
I'd like to hear postive comments about the athleticism of the new people in the secondary. We are going to need speed back there, especially as Ohio continues to offer anyone who can run a 4.4
August 2nd, 2013 at 11:09 AM ^
It would be nice to see him come in with a little more polish and improved accuracy. Derrick Green, because no doy. Otherwise, I am anxious to hear about Delano Hill given our safety depth, and of course Dymonte although it seems a foregone conclusion that he will come in ready.
August 2nd, 2013 at 11:12 AM ^
Derrick Green is the guy I am most excited about and I'm pretty sure many fans feel the same way. Hopefully, however, we won't need him too much because that will just mean Fitz is kicking ass. Green is good and will be great, but Fitz is a senior and it's hard to replace his experience with a freshman. Next year, however, Green should be the starter, assuming he pans out.
August 2nd, 2013 at 11:20 AM ^
I think one of them (or both) is going to be that big bruiser we have lacked in the backfield. I still think Fitz has an important role, but I can't wait to see the consensus number 1 RB do his thing.
August 2nd, 2013 at 11:24 AM ^
I'm very excited about Green, but I'm glad you mentioned Smith too. People shouldn't assume he's out of it. Learning the offense and blocking are huge for freshmen...it's not just raw talent (he has a lot of that too, BTW).
August 2nd, 2013 at 12:08 PM ^
Although Green was the number one running back to two services, I wouldn't call him the consensus number one back. He was fourth in 247's composite running back rankings. I think there is more disagreement about his abilities than a couple other guys (Thomas Tyner for example). Not that it's a big deal or it lessens the excitement any. It will just be another indicator in the analysis of the rating services since it seems to be Scout/Rivals vs. 247/ESPN (although everyone does agree that he's at least pretty good).
August 2nd, 2013 at 12:40 PM ^
Didn't know ESPN and 247 had him lower, but I think we are all excited by the prospects of such a well-regarded back.
August 2nd, 2013 at 11:25 AM ^
Taco Butt.
August 2nd, 2013 at 12:11 PM ^
then Ty Isaac and Laquon Treadwell.
In all seriousness, I'm most excited to see if Kugler can win the starting Center position.
Bet 1,000 mgopoints he doesn't?
August 2nd, 2013 at 12:43 PM ^
I'd have to go with Ben Gedeon. Maybe we're just spoiled with high-end LBs right now, but I think he has an opportunity to be great. Seems like you'd here blurbs about how he's a freak and I believe he was the favorite pick of the guys over at ThisisMichiganFootball. I think he'll end up being great
August 2nd, 2013 at 12:57 PM ^
Kugler....MAULER...that is all
Is it just me, or does it seem like Taco's been here for at least two years?
We say "Taco Pants" so much that you're used to his name/the word. MGoJargon.
I'm only being a little facetious... I want to know if a long snapper is worth a scholarship...
and the problem with this thread is it basically comes down to Green or Thomas as they are the best players (highest rated ones) who should see the field this year...
jdon
I think this class is going to be part of a group that takes Michigan from "great" to "ELITE."
Starting on the OL was the best possible thing we could've done. Especially since they take longest to develop. DL is more talent based, and if we can get Hand and McDowell to join the players we have already...we're now talking about Bama level dominance on the line of scrimmage.
Between his meh stats is hs (I know, I know) and mono he's the elite recruit I am most afraid could bust
Both of these running backs have the ability IMO to contribute right away.
From freshmen is all gravy. Having said that, I am going to love me some Thomas. I am excited to see what Mattison can do with his 5*s. Especially since we've seen what he can do with RR's 3*s.
w/Shane closely behind. But I hope they aren't forced to use him but are allowed the luxury of using him for the purpose of gaining experience. ^ But I really like Taco. I have no idea if the coaches feel he is ready to give them meaningful experience due to his freshman status, but I think this kid is going to simply blow up in Jake Ryan like fashion when he realizes he is surrounded by ten men all capable of doing their jobs so he can simply concentrate on carrying out the assignments of our great DC.