Recent Comments

We will never forget when he ran down Ringer from behind...

Thanks - great new feature for the ultimate Michigan blog.

Ferns seems much better suited to the inside, and it seems he was recruited to play there.  I agree that he has some length and speed so could play SLB, but most scouts see him as a prototypical MLB/WLB... with emphasis on the MIKE.

EDIT- meant this as a reply to EGD who sees Fernes as a SLB.

We are definitley after a SAM prospect (Winovich or similar), and likely will take another inside guy now that Ringer is gone.  It looked like that might be Watson, but we cooled on him... probably due to a meh camp performance where he measured only 5'10".  

You are way too informed to really believe that DG's redshirt was for an "injury".He was slated for a redshirt but then everyone was  up in arms that RR had wasted it. Then came his "back injury" after Tate came out of the doghouse...  and methinks that 's why it took so long to get the extra eligibility confirmed.

Thank You!   You da man!

Shane is not a factor - this guy only has one year of eligibility left.

Ferns as a SAM?   I guess it's possible but he plays like an inside linebacker.

"Ferns to the strong side"?

Seems like we are looking very hard for a SAM to complete this class of linebackers, so Ferns is most likely seen as an inside LB.

Don't we already have a weighty thread on this:

http://mgoblog.com/mgoboard/2013-spring-football-roster-w-updated-weights?page=0%2C1

Welcome Back Heiko!

Good Call

I can see Gelen as either a WDE or even a SLB .  He won the state wrestling championship at 220 lbs., so I guess it depends on how much bigger he gets.  Really like his athleticism.

You are allowed 5 CALENDAR years to complete 4 athletic seasons, and the calendar year begins once one is enrolled.

So by enrolling in Jan. of 2015 he counts like a '15 recruit and can play through the 2019 season (assuming he sits one season out).  However, if he enrolls in the Fall of 2014, then his eleigibility clock starts from that calendar year (even if he is not on scholarship and does not practice with the team) so would end after the 2018 season.  

LINK

I think he is still seen as the best speed option in the backfield, so if he has learned how to pick up the blitz he will be the heir apparent to V. Smith as third down back.  The other option is Drake Johnson who is just as fast but bigger... and had practice buzz at the end of the season.  Don't sleep on Johnson as a possibility at regular tailback as well.  Norfleet  will move back to offense but is too small for the third down blocking so perhaps will be used in the slot and/or jet sweeps.

We also picked up the Glasgow brothers in the last two classes.  Graham is a big all state OL who walked on for the  '11 class and has created some minor buzz.  His brother Ryan walked on last year and is a big DL who also got some mention from the coaches.  They were both two stars and not likely to ever start, but they provide depth to our lines which are still thin.

There are three 2014 QBs on Michigan's radar that you did not mention: Travis Smith, Andrew Ford and Cody Callaway.  All of them look very capable on tape - any inside info as to where they stand with the staff.

and Sean Parker... and Garnett...

I think Roy was closer to 160 pounds as a freshman - may be barely 185 now.

We have plenty of room to take Green, a sixth OL and at least one more (Dawson?).

He played four years for Bo and then coached at Michigan for 13 years (1995 - 2007).  He also set an NCAA record by coaching a 1,000-yard receiver for eight consecutive years from 1998 to 2005.  Was let go by RR (big mistake) so you can understand the loyalty to Ferentz who gave him a job when his alma mater cut him loose.  
If that's not a Michigan Man then who is?

Thanks Brian for the great writing and perspective  (dot dot dot)  as always...

I agree.  Love to see him do well and perhaps the defense will come around when Casteel has a couple of years to recruit and teach the system.

Channeling my Inner Nate Silver:

Green: 80%

McQuay: 55%

LaQuon: 5%

Dawson 45%

That's correct - he was benched after the horror for the rest of that year in favor of Englemon.  Started at safety the next year under RR/Shaefer with mixed results.  As a senior moved to SAM and was very effective as an undersized LB (more of a box safety).  Kicked around the NFL for a few years but now has found a new gear.  Really happy for him.

Thanks for the great work Ace, but can you really say with a straight face that Illinois has a better class than ohio?  Perhaps this will inspire you to devise a rating system that makes more sense than just multiplying recruits times rating averages.  How about something like average stars for a fixed number of recruits like the final Rivals ratings but with a touch more creativity.  Maybe Nate Silver has some ideas...

Tate wasn't hurt.  He was still in the dog house and RR thought he might have to go the year without him.... thus the PT for Devin.

Going for it was the kind of gutsy call that I love about Hoke. Ferentz, Lloyd, DeBord, et al would have punted.   A simple rollout with the option of hiting a 3 yard pass or running for it was all that was needed... and the PA would actually have worked in that situation!  The call was cool, but running Denard into a stacked middle was Einstein's definition of insanity.

Tom VH

24 - 20 Good Guys!

BWC was mostly used as a blocker on the field goal and extra point teams as  a freshman - either zero on defense or very, very little.

Thanks DG - great work as always

Alex Cozan!

Back when Hoke was assembling his staff Brian commented that Borges' resume had a scary resemblance to that of Gerg.  Some success years ago in situations that abounded with talent, but many stops along the way that were much less memorable.  No recent success though,  the the two years at SDSU were OK.  I like Borges, but man....

It hasn't been just their DL that has timed our snaps for the past three years.  The LBs coming on the cursed double A gap blitz have also been well timed.  

8 + 3

Your editing has improved greatly and is now excellent.   I still suggest that you skip the extra points - except when they are missed or pivotal.  Thanks, and keep up the good work.

If he's really a solid 260 then that's big enough already for WDE.

Using Chrome with AdBlock was a very helpful tip last week.  The First Row streams have endless popup interference, but with AdBlock I watched  the whole game ad free - beautiful!

Gracias,

Jerry in Ibiza Spain

13 -1

I use ESPN player which is not expensive (20 euros per month) and has good quality for most of the important games.  I back it up the the site above- "First Row" which is the best of the free online sources and as julesh said above vipbox.tv is an alternative.  No overseas help from BTN so far...

Well spotted sir - beat me to the punch

Marcus Ray was very destructive in '97 and '98.  He had a nose for the ball, made a number of picks and could lay the wood.

I can see Ojemudia as a backup if Clark is not available (pleeze no), but if Beyer gets hurt then you might see Roe shift back to WDE with Heitzman, Brink and one of the big freshmen (Godin or Wormley) backing up at SDE.  So let's hope that none of this happens and Clark is given a slap on the wrist and has a great season.

Ricardo is #80 -  listed at 226 - was 225 in the Media Guide

Thomas Gordon practiced at slot corner until he was moved to safety, so perhaps he will drop down to the slot in nickel situations and another safety (M-Rob, Furman, Wilson) will come on.

Much better context this time but why do you continue to show the extra points?  They are neither relevant nor exciting unless there is a miss. Otherwise much improved and thanks as always.

Thanks again for the effort - definitely getting more polished, but why waste time showing the extra points?  Of no interest unless they are missed or win the game.  Also I echo the comment below about too much emphasis on the plays leading to TDs without enough context of the whole scoring drive.   Just constructive criticism as you requested - really appreciate the work.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/590626/highlights/1894400

Great news - Go Blue young man!  Super prospect and a life long Michigan fan.

Hardreck is due to visit some time this month and he is a solid DT prospect.  About the same size as Hurst and with a good name for someone who can wreak havoc on the inside.  No highlights yet but his recruitment seems to be blowing up.

Poggi is perfect for the 3/5Tech type that Mattison likes to rotate within the line.

I remember an interview with Hurst wherein he said that Mattison told him he was being recruited primarily as a 3 Tech, BUT that he would likely see time at NT as well spelling Pipkins.  Hurst is already 300 lbs. so plenty big enough to play NT and his quickness will  be an asset there a la Will Carr, Mike Martin and the like.  Really happy if he goes BLUE.

We are only ranked 28th??  Seems way too low.

We're Michigan fergodsakes - no need for funky uniforms.

You are thinking of Eric Mayes who went from walk on to team captain in 1997, (unfortunately injured most of his senior year).  He is now Dr. Eric Mayes - more below - great story.

http://www.drericmayes.com/about.html

Check out the other video that I linked above at 8:00  

Not sure if Mays would want to spend his 5th year as Burke's backup.  Meanwhile, according to the article linked below in UM Hoops last week we look very strong with Caris Levert and a commitment could come very soon after today's visit.  Either or both would be great pick ups.

http://www.umhoops.com/2012/04/24/michigan-coaches-targeting-2012-guard-caris-levert/

Yes he did - didn't stop either son from going to our rivals.

Thanks magnus and thanks to Andrew for asking the questions that most of us wanted answered - speed, position possibilities and the like.

Still waiting to see an intelligent comment based on the facts.

Edit:  jg2112 has a point - but if he was injured that early he would automatically get a redshirt = moot point.

The quotes from Tremendous about us being "on top" are not 100% clear.  I certainly hope that they are for real because I'd take this kid in a hearbeat.  Very Braylonesqe..... on the field.....

Wasn't BG 6'2"..... I know he was BG (!) Fergodsakes but I think he played both SDE and WDE...... that said I understand wanting  SDEs at 6'5" or better.

Thanks as always for the unvarnished analysis.

Carter was listed at 5'11" 175  last year.  He is at best a free safety prospect as he is too slight for SS... but I still think he may get a shot at corner.  FWIW they changed his designation on the roster from S to DB.

By the way I think it was on TTB that I saw the surprising possibility of Wilson being given a shot at corner - as said above I never thought it was at all likely to happen.

Word is that we have cooled on Crayton.  No specific reasons given but seems like Webb is now the most likely NT target.

Make that one DT and one NT

Does Gonzaga play against Good Counsel, DeMatha and the other local heavyweights?

It would appear that by getting an excellent walk on like Mandle we no longer need another TE for 2013. Great job by the staff to boost our depth with a quality kid and no loss of scholarships.  

100% agree.  The eventual position of Shallman is not in competition with what both Deveon and Isaac bring to the table.... think Aaron Shea..... or Shonte Orr.

He is 170 overall on Rivals (4*), #10 wr and 94 overall (4*) on 247, and #5 wr (4*) on Scout, so no he is not under rated by the services.  But his offer sheet is very light for a guy with those ratings and that highlight reel.  

No not even close to biggest.  He's probably about 225  while Demens is over 250.

Gedeon could come on board any day.......

Very instructive/enlightening as always... can't wait for Spring ball.

You forgot Poole who can develop into a solid WIL and in 2013 will be a red shirt Sophomore.

That is what they call Gedeon.  Great all around athlete and a real high character kid with  top academics.  Sounds like a perfect Hoke/Mattison recruit.  He may be underrated because he does not play against high end competition.

Agreed - we can afford to wait.  I think McCray goes to the Vols.

Totally agree - Gedeon may be the best athlete of all the LB prospects - also like Levenberry.

X

We are playing with house money now.  Can sit back with five excellent guys in the fold and if later in the process a a top guy wants to commit we will likely make room for him.  They used to call this the catbird seat = Sweet!

Offensive Highlights

Free on Rivals

http://michigan.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1333215

Brian said on Sports Talk 1050 yesterday that he will be doing the UFR after going to one more coaching clinic.  Patience.

When one speaks about depth the point being made is how far down the depth chart can we go and still have guys that we can win with.  For example:  having just three true freshmen at a position obviously does not provide much depth.  You have numbers but no depth that you can rely on to perform.

Mario's combine time was about 4.6 as I recall, but he is "football fast" and gets separation with his moves.

Isaiah Bell at WDE?  The enigmatic Mr. Bell arises in a strange position.

Other notes/opinions that are of course merely conjecture at this point:

Heitzman more likely at SDE - if not moved to TE..... however the other "Z" (Paskorz) should definitely move to TE as he is buried at SLB.

I know they keep listing Wilkins as a DT but he seems more like a SDE.

T. Carter a bit light for SS - see him more as a FS - or switch to corner  where he played in HS since we struck out on Reeves.

RJS will likely wind up at SLB but for now he was recruited to the middle slots so yeah.

BWC more likely a NT than DT?  Hard to imagine just Pee Wee and Ash at the nose.

OL:  Kalis at Guard  and Bars at center (Unless we get Kozan ?!)

RVB was a consensus Four Star - Scout, Rivals and a high 78 on ESPN which did not give stars back in 2007.  That said I like the idea of Willie Henry giving us more depth at 3Tech and  Scout shows his interest in UM as "High".  He also shows some potential as an offensive guard, though I think we are looking at him mostly as a DT.   FWIW I am totally confident that Mattison passed on both Danny O and Schutt because they did not fit what he wants in a "Michigan Defense".

Senior highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XNveNDm9So

His junior  highlights seem to say good blocker and decent receiver.  His offer list (as noted in another comment) is much stronger than his star rating.  Oklahoma and Arkansas are top TE recruiters and both want this guy.  Bottom line he has the size and polish to fill a very big hole in our depth chart next year.  AJ will be the road grader and this guy may see a lot of PT if Moore does not improve.

http://www.scoutingohio.com/index.php/view-profile.html?task=userProfile&user=6771

Great point.  I would feel much more comfortable with another scholarship QB on the roster.  

I think the guy in the photo with Roundtree is Evans but not sure.

You light up my life......   Happy New Year!

Big Wil steps up!

Reeves is not short for a corner.  The average NFL corner is about 5'11" and Reeves is close to that.  Plus he is a solid 185 lbs. and much more polished than Yuri (or T-Rich for  that matter).  He would be a great pick up and then we could add Wright who would definitely need a year or two to get his technique to catch up with his raw talent.  

Seems like Grant is trending our way and as he is getting a late push from both Okla. and Ark. (both good TE schools) it would appear that he is underrated by the services and is more like a 4*.  

Sam Webb thinks we might bank the last (28th) spot if we get OL, CB and TE covered .......   In any event it's all Win-Win from here on in.

Nice work - a very helpful summary.  Seems like you confused Chris Rock (NTCR) with Brennan Beyer, as it was Beyer who switched from WDE to SAM.  Rock will likely be one of those 3 tech/5 tech swing guys.  As for projecting which of the four LB recruits will be the SAM, I think even the coaches are not certain until they see them on the field, but perhaps RJS has the closest to ideal SAM physical attributes.

Ira is a positive force on the show and for UM atheletic coverage in general.  As mentioned above he has good chemistry with Sam so happy keep him on board.

And Vinopal's.... and Carvin's?

I lend my voice to the chorus praising your phenomenal contributions to the MGoBlog community....... countless hours of Maize & Blue Bliss.  Gracias!

Stefon Diggs #1 in 2013

Why Houston instead of Boise State?

I must be missing something because Boise is ahead of Houston in the BCS yet is slated for the Poinsetta Bowl due to lack of a conference hook-up to a good game.  I thought the higher ranked non-bcs school in the top 12 would get the bid - apparently not.

That said, I would much prefer to play Houston as Boise is a tougher out.

If we don't find a third EE we will not be able to take 28 in this class.  Any ideas on that Ace?

This is an interesting possibility given Cam's inability to get PT in front of Beyer.  We are pretty thin at WR even given the high liklihood that we will take two this year.  Cam was pretty well regarded as a potential possession receiver and he was the go to guy for Devin when Gardner was a HS Junior.

Thus the urgent feeling amongst many of us since the Spring that we need more DTs.  This led to consternation (to put it mildly) when we passed on Tommy Scutt and cooled on Danny O'Brien.   Pipkins is a gem and will play from day one.  Somehow we must fashion the combination of Q, BWC, Ash,Rock  and/or another freshman into a serviceable DT rotation.  Scary,  but my faith in Mattison abounds, and since it was his decision to stop after Pipkins I'll suspend my angst.

Actually it was the announcers who said out of bounds - the official signaled time out.  We could not see the sideline on the TV angle so apparently it was ruled that Gallon was tackled inbounds.  Time out to move the chains and then resume.

Good:  Defense continues to be much better than was expected - this despite the fact that  Kovacs did not seem 100% - I could not "feel" him on the field.  Also do not think Troy is better than T.Gordon - could have used Gordon's stronger tackling.

Bad:  Lack of intensity for much of the game - they looked like they wanted it much more than we did until near the end.  Using Devin when Denard is not hurt - he is not ready and it breaks our rhythm.