A ? for WLA, Magnus, TomVH and other serial posters
December 30th, 2009 at 9:02 PM ^
Committed: Carvin Johnson / Marvin Robinson - One of these guys is going to be the kind of strong safety (FS in GERG's defense) we've longed for.
Maybe: Sean Parker - He'll be the FS (SS in GERG's defense) we've longed for.
I'm kind of big on having actual safeties. I can't recall the last time Michigan was actively recruiting real safety prospects. If only we could have an Erik Berry type safety at Michigan.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:13 PM ^
I gotta agree with Shock here and say I'm most interested in seeing how our Safety recruits turn out. When was the last time we trully had a game changer at Safety? We've had a number of them at Corner but nothing really at Safety. Jamar Adams was steady as an upper classmen, Ernest Shazor showed some game changing ability, but yeah wouldnt it be nice to have an Erik Berry or Taylor Mays (who we were in on during his recruitment). I tell you what, after last year I have had as much as I can take with Safeties taking poor pursuit angles and whatnot, that really I guess a game changer is wishful thinking. I'll just settle for someone who is steady back there and can keep things in front of him.
December 30th, 2009 at 10:58 PM ^
I think that Taylor Mays was the last "big time" safety that Michigan had a reasonable chance of landing. That woulda be nice.
Who is the last "big time" safety to actually play at Michigan? I'm not sure how to define "big time" but I think that it would include some serious NFL playing time (so that counts Shazor out). Tons of CB's but not many safties....although I always loved the Vada Murray and Tripp Welborne combo.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:24 AM ^
Cato June, maybe, if you don't mind that he's a linebacker in the NFL.
December 31st, 2009 at 2:58 AM ^
Devin is mine.. I would like to see him in the red zone but I will also be excited to see him RS as well. I just want whats best.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:09 PM ^
I'm more than a little curious about Carvin Johnson. He went from a 'who is that guy?' when he committed to a target of other big schools. After not getting love from the recruiting services and the chance of him being a diamond in the rough it's hard for me to not pull for the underdog (of sorts).
Also, I like seeing lots of O linemen. On both sides of the line you can never really have enough depth and while I'm not worried about taking only one recruit this year, a second would make me happy.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:14 PM ^
Committed: Cullen Christian or Kenny Wilkins. The sheer number of offers from quality programs makes me think they're doing something right.
Maybes: Torrian Wilson. You can never never never have too many good O-linemen. It's not a pressing need because we're building some good depth there but you can never never never have too many good O-linemen, and we've only got the one in this class.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:17 PM ^
I've been doing handstands in anticipation of the 5 or so Walk-On OL's we may be getting. Ya know boosting the depth and all.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:40 PM ^
minus one to you.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:21 PM ^
Committed player: Just one? That's tough. Let me put it this way. Long Term, I'm very excited for Devin Gardner, and what he brings to the table. In the immediate/near future, I think Marvin Robinson has a chance to be really good, really fast. I don't think he's talked about as much as he should be.
One of the many reasons (as you know) freshmen don't see the field early is because of strength and conditioning, and Marvin is college ready.
Recruit I'd like to see us get: I'm going to break the rules again, and say either/or Sean Parker, Rashad Knight.
I think Sean Parker is going to be a good safety where ever he goes. Rashad Knight, I don't know if any of you have watched his highlight film, but he's really good, too. They both fit the mold for what we're looking for in a safety, and what our defense needs right now. They both hit hard, fly around the field, have good instincts and reaction time, and have that swagger when they play. I like that. Ideally, I would like both of them, but it's not likely.
Didn't mean to repeat what ShockFX said, but I agree, that's who is going to be exciting to watch, and a breath of fresh air for the defense if we can get them.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:39 PM ^
Most Excited (Committed): Devin Gardner. I'm enamored with his skill set and potential. I like the fact that he's a little raw but no so much so that we're speculating on potential in lieu of demonstrable accomplishment.
Most Excited (Uncommitted): Sean Parker. I live somewhat close to his school out here and he's a big time player. Seemingly a nice amalgam of strength and . Given our safety issues over the last decade, I'm excited about getting a highly ranked one.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:47 PM ^
You are an amalgam of sexiness and .
December 30th, 2009 at 9:55 PM ^
I find you to be an amalgam of GREAT E-POSTER and .
December 30th, 2009 at 9:52 PM ^
Devin Gardner and Marvin Robinson are probably the most talented commits, but I might be most excited to see Ricardo Miller in action. Based on flimsy evidence, he seems to have speed, hands, and 'upside potential.' I was surprised by him drop to a 3-star, so I'm curious to see what he can do on the outside.
I do have to echo the board and say that of the remaining possibilities, Sean Parker is the most exciting. It's a position of (soul-drainingly, dong-punchingly desperate) need, and I think he and Marvin Robinson would make a hell of a tandem.
December 30th, 2009 at 11:58 PM ^
I believe Miller dropped because he moved to Michigan and he didn't have a very good QB which you kind of need to be productive.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:55 PM ^
Marvin Robinson. I think he was a victim of pledging early. The recruiting services don't sell memberships by talking about guys already committed so his stars have fallen and he isn't talked about much, but that kid looked like a big time college safety as a sophmore in HS.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:59 PM ^
which 3 star recruits are you most excited about? And I know little, but Friday Night Lights seems to be working out pretty well for Conelius Jones....
December 30th, 2009 at 10:09 PM ^
Greatness springs from the smallest things.
Drew Dileo may be a game changer,we'll wait and see.
December 30th, 2009 at 10:46 PM ^
Gardner will be the difference maker from this class IMHE, but my personal hope for a breakout player is:
Ray Vinopal. Fast, a leader, the best player on a state title team. I wouldn't be shocked if he plays and contributes next year, and makes a lot of people around here eat some humble pie based on their reactions when he committed.
December 30th, 2009 at 11:01 PM ^
I'm excited to see him strictly because of his work ethic. I read that he said something along the lines of 'I'm going to prove that I belong here.' I think he's the type of guy who's going to be excited every time he takes the field.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:42 AM ^
Vinopal is going to have to put on some serious weight if he's going to see time next year. He's currently 178. For comparison Kovaks is 194. Also Vinopal isn't enrolling early. So he has a lot working against him besides his rating. Crazier things have happened though.
December 31st, 2009 at 2:29 AM ^
I agree with you about weight, but Vinopal does have speed going for him. Re Kovacs: I'm sure he's gained a bit under Barwis, but jesus we played against him in high school and my friend (and one of the slowest kids on the team) caught him from behind. Also with that said though, I like Kovacs hope the best for him and am excited to see if he can keep his place with these young bucks coming in.
December 30th, 2009 at 11:53 PM ^
the next Adam James??
EDIT** Damn clicking the login button and having it attribute the post as a response to the wrong comment.
December 30th, 2009 at 11:52 PM ^
DG, B.Nasty and MRob are obvious choices, for sure.
I am very interested in Carvin Johnson and Ricardo.
Oh how quickly we all forget the new Blue Banshee at LB, Josh Furman. If he is ready to play LB, he could contribute due to need and speed.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:02 AM ^
I'm also excited about Furman, but dude will need to bulk up (currently 195 lbs.) before he's able to meaningfully contribute.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:29 AM ^
Carwin Johnson is the guy I'm looking forward to. Everything I've heard about him makes me think he's a leader who can step up and make plays from the safety position.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:35 AM ^
It's hard not to get excited about the upside with Gardner. He needs to redshirt, learn the system, put on some muscle mass but after that the sky is the limit. Having watched his junior highlights and then seeing him play this year it was shocking how much his throwing mechanics improved. He is a student of the game which when combined with talent makes for a special player. Think of him with Pryor's size, Kordell Stewart's arm strength, and a high football IQ = scary.
I think Parker excites me the most of potential commits because he is exactly what Michigan needs. A secondary in the next year or two consisting of Cullen and Turner at CB and then M-Rob and Parker at the safety positions could (based on potential) be one of the better the school has seen. Just my opinion.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:38 AM ^
Excited about Tony Drake; the dude has some wheels! He was unknown at the beginning of recruiting and rivals has him in the top 10 APB now. He explosive!!!! I watched the video 10 times.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:44 AM ^
And I'm not trying to be a negative Nancy but I truly don't think he qualifies. His recruitment has been one of the stranger ones when you look at the facts that he has not even come to the school on an official or any type of visit and hasn't taken his SAT (ACT) yet. I wouldn't be shocked that if the academics don't work out in his favor to qualify and Corey Nelson sticks with A & M that he doesn't follow him there. I hope I am wrong because I think he fits the offense well.
December 31st, 2009 at 12:51 AM ^
Agreed. I thought the same thing, but didn't want to be a negative Nancy. I do hope he qualifies, and is blue.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:02 AM ^
Definitely excited about Marvin Robinson and Kenny Wilkins. Both are physically ready to play, they just need to learn the schemes and get in tune with the rest of the defense.
As for the uncommitted.. has to be Sean Parker right? Kid's not big but hits hard, has good instincts (pray to god we get him for this) and is truly a playmaking, ball-hawking (overused term, I know) safety that we desperately need.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:12 AM ^
I dont know why, but for some reason Courtney Avery intrigues me. He came in to Michigan's camp without a lot of offers and was dominant. I want to see if he is as good as he was at camp or if he'll be a career backup behind JT Turner and Cullen Christian.
December 31st, 2009 at 2:04 AM ^
Good sleeper call...I have always wondered what his actual measurables are. Seems like the services have him all over the board. Me likes taller corners.
December 31st, 2009 at 7:22 AM ^
Best player for the long-term: Devin Gardner
Biggest impact in 2010: Marvin Robinson
Best uncommitted target: Sean Parker
December 31st, 2009 at 10:31 AM ^
With Magnus list above 100% and will add one:
Best "sleeper" recurit is: Christian Pace
December 31st, 2009 at 8:48 AM ^
I think CC plays next year. He is smart, has great hips and is physically ready for D1 football. He is the current verbal that I'm most excited about.
Target has to be Sean Parker. I want a safety that cracks your head and leaves you on your back counting stars. We need more swagga on this team and Parker has it.
My dream defensive backfield next year: Parker and Mrob with CC and JT on the outside. SWAGGA BITCHES!
December 31st, 2009 at 4:25 PM ^
Cullen Christian will definitely play next year. It's just a matter of whether he can beat out JT Floyd for the corner position opposite Justin Turner, who I think will be starting next year.
January 1st, 2010 at 3:49 PM ^
You sure Woolfolk is going to be back at SS and not at CB?
January 1st, 2010 at 4:46 PM ^
We were a better defense when we were getting burned at corner rather than burned at safety.
I'm not positive, but that's my educated guess.
January 1st, 2010 at 5:16 PM ^
I agree with this as well. We'll see if our CBs or safeties need him more next year.
December 31st, 2009 at 9:56 AM ^
But DG is the player I am most excited about long term. Short term I have a feeling that Avery or Talbott will step up at corner....Just a hunchDecember 31st, 2009 at 11:05 AM ^
Sorry guys, but I'm going to have to agree with the majority that Marvin Robinson will be my most excited player. He seems to possess a nasty streak that the defense needs to impose their will by putting every offensive player on their back. Hard hitters with controlled speed is what I love to see in any defensive player and M. Rob appears to fit that role. Now with that being said, Sean P. will be my most intriguing prospect that hopefully will commit to the Block M boys. As I see it, a nasty streak amongst one player can consume his teammates to follow his will to dominate any opposing player not in a winged helmet. Bottom line, we have a need to have all defenders fly to the ball with controlled tackling like I saw when Western Michigan showed up @Michigan stadium.
December 31st, 2009 at 4:42 PM ^
comes from a winning tradition, feels he has something to prove, redshirts his freshman year, becomes a weight room legend, starts on special teams and sees spot duty in defensive backfield as a rs soph ... picture blurs, damn, can't focus on 2012 and 2013, ... yet.
December 31st, 2009 at 8:19 PM ^
is proof RR can find the hidden gems. No one heard of Carvin several months ago, RR lands him, and now there are many teams that want him.
His coach told us he was "a big time player" on this blog, when he was a "nobody". I'm looking forward to seeing him play with the big boys!
Go Blue!
January 1st, 2010 at 11:23 AM ^
Carvin Johnson isn't proof of anything. Just because other teams want him doesn't mean he's a "hidden gem." The kid could be a Doug Dutch or an Adam Patterson who never sees the field except in dire situations.
Let's see how some of these "hidden gems" do on the field before we praise Rodriguez for being so good at finding them.
EDIT: Before anyone says anything, I realize Dutch and Patterson were 4-star recruits. My reference is to their production, not their star ranking.