Who Gets Denarded This Offseason
This time last year, how many of you were thinking "I can't wait until next year when Denard Robinson will become one of the most dynamic and statistically dominant offensive players in Michigan history." Or were you thinking, "Next Year Denard could be a great slot or maybe even a 3rd down/wildcat threat." The point is, I think we are way to quick at dismissing young players on this board. This year, since so many starters struggled, the assumption seems to be that every young kid riding the bench must be even worse. Or even worse, true freshmen who were forced to play and got blown up were written off (ie. Cullen Christian). Sure, but that is the nature of being a young player, there is the distinct possibly of massive improvement. So on a more positive note, I just want to start a prediction thread on which young players (2011 underclassmen) will have big break-out seasons next year.
My Picks:
1. Courtney Avery- Will become a lock down man coverage corner in the new scheme
2. Issiah Bell - Needed extra time after transforming body into linebacker.
3. Fitz - The big health if. But if man...if.
As a little side experiment, I will tally all the votes and post results next week. One thing I want to look for is if there is a correlation between mgopoints and the accuracy of prediction. That will have to wait until next year, but I always wanted to know if spending this much time on this site makes someone more knowledgeable in a meaningful way. So don't let me down 10,000+ pointers.
February 11th, 2011 at 11:27 AM ^
So who in the administration do we blame for ruining our offensive players' careers this time?
February 11th, 2011 at 11:29 AM ^
I'd counter that prediction by saying Denard will easily win more games in his final two Michigan seasons than he did in his first two.
February 11th, 2011 at 11:33 AM ^
That is a very sturdy limb you just danced out onto.
Care to predict which season comes after winter?
February 11th, 2011 at 11:42 AM ^
I predict spring will follow winter. Any dissenters?
February 11th, 2011 at 12:43 PM ^
Sometimes in Michigan it seems it's Winter.. Winter.. more Winter, and then, suddenly, it's Memorial Day and it decides to be 78 and sunny. Woo! Summer!. However, I cannot dissent, for the vernal equinox does indeed follow the winter solstice.
February 11th, 2011 at 2:01 PM ^
Michigan has two seasons: Winter and Construction.
February 11th, 2011 at 11:52 AM ^
I haven't been participating on MGoBoard for a bit, but I just want to be clear:
You've made a heel turn?
February 11th, 2011 at 12:30 PM ^
I didn't try to. That's funny though.
My opinion is based on as much fact as the opinion that Hokeamaniacs are based on...
People just get all pissy pants about it, I guess. I just like talking Michigan Football, but this board likes to be all same-same. Whateves.
February 11th, 2011 at 12:38 PM ^
It seems like you may go out of your way to piss in people's coffee, a little, too.
I mean, nobody knows how Hoke will turn out, so I sort of shudder when I look at people speaking about "HOW WRONG" someone's opinion of what the team will be like is. You're definitely not the only person doing it in your exchanges, but...
February 11th, 2011 at 2:51 PM ^
Two questions:
1. If you agree that the team is likely to win more games the next two seasons than it has the last two, then what exactly is your complaint?
2. Are you aware that the guy in your avatar was not a Rodriguez fan, and is happy that Hoke has replaced him?
February 11th, 2011 at 3:07 PM ^
1 -- We have more experience and depth for these next two years than we had in the previous two by a wide margin.
February 11th, 2011 at 5:21 PM ^
1-- he ask what his complaint was. What you wrote is not a complaint.
February 11th, 2011 at 1:21 PM ^
Way to go on the record with something that even the coaches have said will likely happen, i.e. Denard getting less carries. You are a fucking seer.
I'll go on record and predict that we'll play a 4-3 next season.
February 11th, 2011 at 1:35 PM ^
RR has a way with turning QBs into superstars.
He had a super fast guy with fantastic vision and running instincts. He put him in the gun and called sweeps and draws for him. This does not require someone with a magic coaching potion.
February 11th, 2011 at 2:11 PM ^
Fucking a right brother. Thats what I am saying. 1+
February 11th, 2011 at 4:18 PM ^
February 11th, 2011 at 8:37 PM ^
Horrible post.
Kansas State and UCF both wanted Denard at quarterback. Florida promised a shot at it. I'm sure others did too.
Nearly everyone was clamoring for Denard to move to WR? My ass.
February 11th, 2011 at 4:23 PM ^
February 11th, 2011 at 11:21 AM ^
(1) Will Hagerup - he was good last year when he wasn't suspended, he'll be very good this year.
(2) Jibreel Black - With better run support in the 4-3 scheme, Black should get more opportunities to pass rush opposite Craig Roh. I have the feeling he'll get 1 on 1 situations that he'll exploit throughout the year.
(3) Marvin Robinson - the return of Woolfolk and Floyd on the corners will allow Robinson to play free safety and utilize his speed and power.
February 11th, 2011 at 11:31 AM ^
I hope I get more than ten people willing to do this.
February 11th, 2011 at 12:49 PM ^
I love this thread, bono. Shame it is being hijacked by those who feel the need to defend RR even when he is not under attack.
As to predictions:
Avery - agree with you about him improving, but probably not to lock-down status
Big Will - if he goes back to the D side, he will be a beast; he is perfect for manball
Carvin - I just like the way he plays and I saw a ton of potential
Demens - this one is sort of a gimme, so it shouldn't count in the tally - he already showed that he will be good, and he should have started all year.
As to my 10,000+ points being indicative of my prediction ability - probably not. Just more of an indication that I need to do more actual work when at work.
Fun thread.
February 11th, 2011 at 11:55 AM ^
Was the one that popped into my head. A winter and summer of bulking up and getting quicker and stronger. He got a pretty big taste of what it's like out there on the field in the meat of the Big Ten schedule. Avery and Vinopal could be other candidates on D.
February 11th, 2011 at 11:31 AM ^
February 11th, 2011 at 12:50 PM ^
Don't know how I forgot about him.
I would expect that in our new offense, he will provide the thunder to Denard's lightening in the running game.
February 11th, 2011 at 11:32 AM ^
I've been bashed for such extreme optimism about the dline, but I'll remain consistent.
Black and Roh are going to fuck shit up(mostly because I think Martin will be being held by 3 guys allowing them to walk in), but their sack numbers will be high earning them big pub in the local rags.
February 11th, 2011 at 11:34 AM ^
He was good last year, but some of the flashes he showed were very exciting.
February 11th, 2011 at 11:34 AM ^
The entire team is gonna get Denarded baby!
February 11th, 2011 at 11:46 AM ^
Agree 110%
February 11th, 2011 at 11:57 AM ^
After reading the RR thread followed up by abandoned buildings in Detriot I need this pick me up.
1. Fitz- From the flashes we have seen he seems like the kind of back that would excel based on the videos I have watched of the SD offense. If he can take 20-25 carries a game healthy that is DENARDED in motion. Otherwise some three headed monster of RB's will be Denarded just from Borges implementation of the position.
2. Hemmingway-All due respect to Odoms and Roundtree but JH is the kind of reciever that fits the O we have seen at SD. Borges might spread the ball around some but at the end of the season two recievers will have been on the field 70% of the time and like the RB position WR will benefit from the scheme.
3. Martin-Playing in a 4-3 front not getting the double team Martin has the chance to become incredible. I want to believe in an LB but so little to go on form last year. I want to pick Wolfolk but recovery is a big question.
OP-This sould be reposted after the spring game.
February 11th, 2011 at 1:09 PM ^
Hemmingway on offense.
Roh on D
February 11th, 2011 at 11:38 AM ^
I think Lewan is going to have a monster year. Not sure if that counts as "blowing up" since he had a pretty good 2010.
Second choice would be Hopkins who seems very well suited for the new offensive style.
February 11th, 2011 at 11:45 AM ^
I think it will finaly click with him now that he should be the guy at SLB.
February 11th, 2011 at 11:50 AM ^
Anti-Denarded: AMSHG (we can hope, right?)
Denarded on O: Koger/Fitz/Miller
Koger if for nothing else being utilized more. Fitz = please stay healthy. I think Miller could make some great strides this year as a backup for the outside receivers and maybe even get in some H-back stuff.
Denarded on D: Mrob/Furman/CC
MRob is a beast waiting to explode. Furman = also beast, hopefully he can see the field. CC I refuse to "give up" on, he was thrust in there way too early, i was most excited about him in last year's class and i think he can trun into a great FS/corner with time/good coaching
February 11th, 2011 at 11:51 AM ^
I'll say Courtney Avery. He seemed to show signs of becoming a good player last year.
I think we'll see Stonum or Hemingway, or both post career numbers.
February 11th, 2011 at 11:52 AM ^
Offense:
I expect Stonum to really flourish in this offense and he should be a worthy downfield threat.
I am hoping to see Cox and Fitz to step up in the backfield but those are hopes not expectations.
Defense:
I think Carvin and Marvin both step up this year.
I hope to see Furman improve as well because he has some serious upside if he can develope.
February 11th, 2011 at 11:57 AM ^
on the magnus-driven-mike-cox-bandwagon. i think he puts up good numbers as a starter next year.
on the defensive side, i think marvin robinson will be stellar.
February 11th, 2011 at 12:01 PM ^
Big break out year for Roh. He takes on the Ryan Kerrigan role and speed rushes his way to double digit sack numbers and leads team in TFL.
Quinton Washington makes a big impact when OLs give Martin too much attention.
February 11th, 2011 at 12:03 PM ^
If Borges is true to his word and Denard runs for more like 1000 yds making up the difference in rushing yards with additional passing yards, then my prediction is Darryl Stonum. He has shown himself to be a solid reciever on the outside and I think with more looks he could see a nice jump in caught passes, yards and touchdowns.
February 11th, 2011 at 12:03 PM ^
I think Hopkins is in for a great year. The new offense is tailor made for him.
February 11th, 2011 at 12:07 PM ^
I expect Stonum to have a breakout year statistically. He seemed to do a much better job tracking the ball in the air towards the end of last year. Combine that with a hopefully improved Denard deep ball, and I think we see an all B1G receiver
February 11th, 2011 at 12:15 PM ^
Does Stonum count? His career to date might not be low profile enough but he could have a Biletnikoff year in 2011.
Matt Wile. Let's say he goes 13 of 17. Miraculous!
I don't know what position Marvin Robinson is going to play but everyone seems convinced he's the guy to make a leap on defense. Sounds good.
Floyd Simmons will reprise his role as indomitable special teams cacodemon but he will be joined for a season long duet by Josh Furman. I will call them Floyd Furman. They will PIN YOU DEEP and tackle you and force many fumbles.
February 11th, 2011 at 12:16 PM ^
Stonum is a great choice and it includes a big play or two on special teams from him. Denard himself might be a great choice. Some of our opponents openly criticized his ability to pass his way down the field as a drop back quarterback last season. Michigan State was pretty vocal after the game that they knew he couldn't. Couple that with the comments from "experts" that he'll never play in the NFL at quarterback, and you are going to get an insane offseason of effort from him. The new offensive approach will give him the opportunity to master and showcase skills people think he lacks.
He is too smart not to see the awesome opportunity he has to raise it even higher.
February 11th, 2011 at 12:42 PM ^
Not necessarily "Denarded' but as for the player that will flourish most in a pro style attack
1) Id go with Stonum. I guess four years ago I would have said the same thing because i believed Mallett to Stonum was going to be dangerous. Hes got better than average hands but is by far our best offensive player with the ball in open space IMO.
2) Kenny Demens should develope very well as our MLB, watching him excel in the Iowa game was enough to make me believe. (Iowa Stud Mention: Lewan). In a 4-3, having the down tackles in front of him should take the second level blocks off of him a little more and should open up tons of oppurtunities for him. possible all big ten this year.
"Denarded"
1) My biggest hope is for Furman, based on his 40's (FAKE or not) and his shear size and athleticism, i have big hopes for him especially under Mattison. Id love to see him as an OLB as opposed to safety but he was probably my favorite recruit in his class.
2) Carvin, first frosh to crack the starting line up last year, seems like a very solid tackler and must know the game well enough to start. Got valuable B10 experience much like Denard his freshman year, id like to see him as SS, i know he doesnt have the wheels neccesarily but either did Shazor/
Wilcard
Mike Cox. Havent quite drank in the Hopkins cool-aid yet and although hes been good in spring games and a few regular season games, im not ready to proclaim him the starter based on his Fred Jackson-Chris Perry comparisons. I like Cox, hes a hard runner and i believe that given the shot to start, hed prove to be worthy. Hes not a pounding back like Hopkins or a John Clay but if he stops dancing so much and hits holes, hell be a good one. just my 2 cents
February 11th, 2011 at 2:09 PM ^
It's so difficult to assign a FAKE to his 40 times because he's been consistent at several laser-timed combines. It's a little scary. It would be rather nice to have a 200+ pound safety who can run down just about any other player on the field.
February 11th, 2011 at 5:36 PM ^
One thing that's not crazy to think is that the Stonum-Denard connection will itself get Denarded. They were tantalizingly close to several breakaway passes this year but didn't seem to have the timing that D.Rob had with Roundtree or even with Hemingway (on jump balls and broken plays). We know Denard puts in offseason time, and at least from the outside it seems like Stonum is a hard worker (RR let him speak to the media frequently which is probably a good sign, and he's improved a lot over his career). So I wouldn't be surprised if those guys jell a little over the offseason.
February 11th, 2011 at 12:16 PM ^
A TON of the defensive tape from last year.
We have some serious potential on D.
I am not as excited about Black as some, he does have a good first step, but I think he is a year or so away from picking up the hand technique and subtle body motion that allows elite DEs to blow by starting OT in the B10.
Carvin Johnson will be an absolute MONSTER this year. Im not sure exactly where he fits into the scheme, but that kid can flat out tackle.
M-Rob has potential, but it seemed to me that he had very litte impact on the field.
The player I am most excited to see blow up this year is MM. Hopefully he goes tot eh 3tech, and gets the single team. That bodes well.
Offensively, I want to see Roundtree turn into a marvin harrison.
And if Rawls is as good as I think he could be, he might be the starter... although Hopkins might have something to say about that,,,/
Really hope we run a pro set with 2 backs, because hopkins with shaw/rawls/hayes could be nasty.
February 11th, 2011 at 12:52 PM ^
Marvin Robinson only played on special teams last year, so I don't know what you mean by "little impact on the field." He chased down some plays rather impressively.
I would say Martin has already blown up, but I see your point. Getting the single team would lead to constant beast mode.
Roundtree doesn't have the physical tools that Marvin Harrison had, but he'll probably be more consistent.
I think it's rather delusional to think that either Rawls or Hopkins will be a firm starter at tailback.
February 11th, 2011 at 12:18 PM ^
February 11th, 2011 at 3:49 PM ^
It might explain some things about Gallon's return game.
February 11th, 2011 at 12:19 PM ^