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For an analyst, give me Seth…

For an analyst, give me Seth. 

Nope. He has to be 70 to get…

Nope. He has to be 70 to get maximum benefits. His “full” benefit, or the amount promised to him at Full Retirement Age, came for him at age 66.  That means he could be taking his benefits right now without reduction despite his rather generous salary.

He can increase his benefit by delaying taking it up to age 70.

I did some digging on his…

I did some digging on his other years. He had a great year at Navy and some okay years, according to fancystats. 

This doesn’t look like a home run purely from a coaching production standpoint, but Navy and one year at ASU is not a fair sample. 

Yes. No. 

He will continue…

Yes. No. 

He will continue to be a situational player. Let’s not pretend he was on the field every down this year. JH won’t stop using FBs even as the offense evolves. And Mason can be extremely dangerous as an offensive weapon as well, since he is athletic and you don’t know if he’s going to block you or run by you. 

This is the ideal scenario…

This is the ideal scenario. But with Gattis’ lack of play calling experience, it may take some time and it may never work out as well as we would hope. 

That said, his hire confirms a philosophical shift from manball to more spread concepts 

And Sainristil, and GJIII,…

And Sainristil, and GJIII, and CJ, and Charbonnet is pretty damn fast too

Wait, you consider Ohio a…

Wait, you consider Ohio a state but not Indiana?

Uh, according to the chart,…

This is interesting. This is a bit of statistical obfuscation though—since runs are expected on 1st, they are less successful. If passing became expected, its efficiency would wane. 

That said, Michigan is a LONG way from being suspected of passing on 1st down a lot. 

It would be fun to see an offense that called pass plays on early downs and checked into runs when the defense was favorable. 

Looks like another great…

Looks like another great athlete for the staff to work with. Welcome, and Go Blue!

This would be another great…

This would be another great hire, IMO. 

Not to mention Gattis has…

Not to mention Gattis has little to no play-calling experience. Warinner would be a good help there. 

Everyone’s defense needs to…

Everyone’s defense needs to pressure the QB. Look what happened to ‘Bama in the MNC game when they couldn’t get pressure. 

Would love this. He’s a…

Would love this. He’s a great coach and recruiter. Pay this man!

We are going to run an empty…

We are going to run an empty backfield with 5 TEs

This is absolutely true, but…

This is absolutely true, but if you don’t see a team that got out coached today, I don’t know what to say.

Serious weenus issues. 

Serious weenus issues. 

Quinten Johnson is…

Quinten Johnson is underrated and has off the charts athleticism. Ojabo will be remembered as an absolute steal, but it will take some time for him to learn the game and add weight. 

Hill, Hinton, and Smith seem like sure things, with Perry in there as well. The rest of the class is loaded with athletes that require projections. Defenders change positions all the time, and there will always be a spot for guys like Velazquez who have the athleticism and just need to find a home. It will be interesting to see who pops, but this class is loaded with athletes and possibilities and sure to produce plenty of starters.

Also, these posts are awesome and Seth is amazing. 

Because if he’s got talent…

Because if he’s got talent you want to get him involved ASAP.  RB was loaded this year and until Samuels derped looked pretty stocked for next year as well.  Why not give him a shot at LB? Haskins himself may have just asked to be put in a position to get on the field ASAP.  

While my guess is that the “gifted” comment is hyperbole, it doesn’t preclude the possibility that he’s impressing at RB.  Sam had said he was impressing at LB before the move. 

To me, this all just signals he’s probably a talented football player hat will settle into a position.

 

This is all great news…

This is all great news. Higdon’s absence hurts, but it will be fun to see some of the freshmen show their talent. 

Sometimes position switches are a bad sign, but Haskins seems to be getting shifted because they see his talent and want him on he field ASAP.  Hope he gets some snaps on Saturday.

Jeter is vital to next year as well as the emergence of at least two CBs, so that’s all good. 

He's got all the tools and…

He's got all the tools and plenty of time to improve.  The slightly wonky release is offset by excellent accuracy.  Does need to continue to add arm strength and mass.  All that said, looks like another great Michigan QB prospect and excited to have him in the 2020 class!

YES!  Welcome to the family…

YES!  Welcome to the family JD, and GO BLUE!

This is one of the funniest…

This is one of the funniest videos in the history of the internet.

This is so great, thank you…

This is so great, thank you.  In this context, the class looks pretty good where we really need help (RB, Slot, OL, DT) and mostly okay everywhere else, other than the new standard at safety.

2016 and 2017 might have had a bit more sizzle, but I really believe this class will continue to build Michigan into the juggernaut it hasn't been in decades.  The "War" with OSU is back.

That is exactly the type of…

That is exactly the type of feeling you should keep to yourself.

QB - If you like Shea, you…

QB - If you like Shea, you'll like McNamara's film.  Very similar player--a bit short, good but not great arm, able to throw from virtually an position with accuracy and touch, excellent escapability, and more of a mobile pro-style QB than a true dual threat, but plenty of spring in his step.

RB - Charbonnet will be the next great Michigan RB.  Really like Castleberry as PWO who could contribute down the road in the Tru Wilson mold. 

WR - Kent could play outside.  CJ is a true #1 type of player.  Jackson, Sainristil, and GJIII are all the type of athlete we simply do not and have not had on our roster.  Very excited for this group and hoping it signals a change in the passing game, including more usage for playmakers.

TE - All is a true receiving threat and willing blocker; I'm confident he'll add weight and be at least good before he graduates.

OL - Keegan, Jones, and Barnhart give us three good shots at starting tackles, though either Jones or Barnhart are likely to move inside.  Rumler looks like the next great Michigan mauler at OG.  Carpenter and Stewart will provide more interior options and could turn into starters.  OL is very tough to predict.

DL - Hinton is being undersold a bit--he is a beast and should develop into a very good or great DT.  Mazi Smith is the real deal as well.  The two of them are a likely starting combo inside.  Ojabo might have more potential than any other DL recruit, and Morris and Newburg are both guys who could develop into contributors.

LB - Probably the most loaded position on the roster, Thomas is a likely inside guy.  Solomon could be inside or VIPER, as could Velazquez.  Hickson is more of an athlete and his position is less settled.

CB - Perry could contribute immediately; Turner may be a safety or a nickel.  Both are very good players.

S - Obviously amazing to get Dax, but Quintel Johnson is a special athlete that Don Brown will turn into a monster.

From a measurables…

From a measurables standpoint, Ojabo is very similar to ZH.  Has the talent to be an All-American.

CJ has an amazing ability to…

CJ has an amazing ability to sink his hips for his size.  Very good top end speed and great out of breaks.  Excellent hands.  Once he fills out, he's a #1 WR with top-100 talent that just happens to live in CT.

The 2019 WR class will be remembered for years to come--CJ and Kent on the outside with a plethora of slot options who will help modernize the offense.  Not as highly-ranked as the 2017 class, but the production will be there.

Ronnie Bell taught us that…

Ronnie Bell taught us that while rankings matter, almost anyone can contribute if they're ready.  Here's my take on each guy:

  • Daxton Hill - Safety is a very tough spot to start as a true freshman, but Hill's talent is undeniable.  If he can pick up the system, he'll start.  He'll get playing time either way.
  • Zach Charbonnet - An early enrollee at a position that needs some depth, and probably the best RB recruit Michigan has picked-up in a decade, Charbonnet is likely to play early and often in 2019, though I doubt he passes Chris Evans as the nominal starter.  Would be great to see both Charbonnet and Evans on the field.
  • Chris Hinton - Highly-ranked and physically-gifted, Hinton is likely to play at either anchor (SDE) or 3-Tech (DT) this season.  It's very tough to start on DL as a true freshman (Gary did not even start as a freshman), but Hinton's size and athleticism mean he's likely to be in the rotation.
  • Mazi Smith - Another early enrollee at a position of need, Smith is almost a lock to play quite a bit as a true freshman.  Start?  NT is perhaps the most difficult position on the field to start as a true freshman, but Smith will have spring ball and eight months of conditioning, so he may earn a spot at DT or NT by season's end.  Jeter, Kemp, and Dwumfour will make it tough.
  • Nolan Rumler - College-ready size and mentality, but is OL and the interior of our line is stacked.  Redshirt is highly likely.
  • Trevor Keegan - There is an OT spot up for grabs.  If Keegan were enrolling early, I think he'd have a shot, even though true freshmen rarely excel on OL.  That said, I do believe he'll make the two-deep and may lose his redshirt if there are any injuries to our tackles.  I'd expect Runyan and Mayfield to start.
  • Trente Jones - Another OT with great upside, Jones may need to add more weight before he's ready to crack the two-deep and is a very likely redshirt.  May also end-up at guard.
  • Anthony Solomon - LB is loaded for 2019, and VIPER is even more stacked.  Solomon needs to add weight and continue to develop his athleticism.  Almost certain redshirt.
  • Jalen Perry - If he's a CB, he has a great chance to contribute as an early enrollee at a position that is wide open.  There are some rumblings that he might be a safety.  He may find some time at nickel as well.  While the roster lacks clear starters, there are loads of DBs, so a redshirt here is probably 50/50.
  • Cornelius Johnson - An undeniable talent that seems rated too low, CJ's challenge is simply a loaded depth chart at his position.  DPJ, Black, Collins, Martin, and Bell all have significant experience and should be reaching their potential in 2019.  Barring injury, CJ probably gets his four games and a redshirt.
  • Cade McNamara - Shea Patterson clone (seriously, watch his hudl) will have to fight his way up the depth chart and is one of the most likely redshirts in the class.  That said, McNamara is a special athlete who may be pushing for the field by his second season.
  • Giles Jackson - Jackson brings a talent that is unlike any player on the current roster.  If Michigan continues to advance their offense and opens up their passing game, Jackson will play quite a bit, though he is unlikely to start with the crowded WR depth chart.  It is probably a good sign for our offense if he's playing a lot.
  • David Ojabo - Relatively new to football and still a bit raw and undersized, Ojabo is a near-certain redshirt but has enough talent that he may very well see action in four games.  He needs to add weight and has lots of learning to do, but his measurables compare favorably to Zach Harrison's.
  • Karsen Barnhart - An athletic freak who is rumored to now be 6-5, Barnhart may actually develop into a tackle.  Adding weight and refining his technique against top competition will likely mean we have to wait at least a year to find out.
  • Erick All - Have you seen our TE depth chart?  Can't imagine All breaking the two-deep as a freshman.  If he does, it means we have a special talent.  His tape and numbers are impressive, but Gentry, McKeon, Eubanks, Muhammad, and Schoonmaker is a lot of talent in front of him, at a position that may see a diminished role in 2019.
  • Quinten Johnson - Another safety prospect that is a special athlete, QJ may see the field as a special teamer but is highly unlikely to crack the safety or VIPER rotations.  That said, his off-the-charts athleticism might earn him some time at nickel.  I think he's one of the most underrated prospects in the class and, to me, is only a 50/50 redshirt candidate despite the depth chart.  Athletes like this need to play.
  • Mike Morris - An anchor prospect that needs to fill out his frame and has quite a few talented players in front of him, Morris is a very likely redshirt.
  • DJ Turner II - Another CB who could surprise, but is more likely to need some time to catch-up to the other DBs ahead of him.  Likely redshirt.
  • Charles Thomas - Fearless, fast, and strong, Thomas is probably my 2nd SOTY choice, but I think it'll take a few years to see if the CT player is going to be a star.  Again, LB is pretty loaded.  Very likely redshirt, but another potential special teams guy.
  • Zach Carpenter - Mauling interior OL prospect that have time to develop behind the plethora of OGs already on the roster.
  • Jack Stewart - A likely OG that needs to fill out and compete at the highest level in practice before he sees the field.
  • Mike Sainristil - My pick for Sleeper of the Year, Sainristil is a ridiculous athlete that could play nickel, safety, slot...another compact player with a skill set that simply does not yet exist on our roster.  That said, Giles Jackson is likely in front of him on offense and a crowded defensive backfield in this class and on the roster mean his odds of playing as a true freshman are lower.  But I would not count him out--he's another special athlete that could force his way onto the field.
  • Gabe Newburg - More football player than athlete, Newburg will need to add weight and continue to develop before seeing the field.
  • George Johnson III - The third slot candidate in this year's class, GJIII's inclusion signals a philosophical shift by the offensive staff.  He played QB (mostly) in high school and has the shifty speed and balance traits coveted by spread teams in a slot WR.  Could also contribute as a wildcat specialist, but he's unlikely to crack the rotation as a true freshman.
  • Quintel Kent - ESPN's lazy ratings technically disqualify Sainristil and Thomas from SOTY, since they both have four-star ratings from the worldwide follower in recruiting.  Kent is most definitely criminally underrated and I believe will develop into a solid #2 if not a #1 WR before he's done at Michigan.
  • Joey Velazquez - Sometimes it takes athletes time to find their position, and that may very well be the case with Joey.  Recruited as a VIPER (likely our single most loaded position on the roster).  A ripped 6-0/205 who reports a 4.51 40 time, Velazquez is likely to find a place on the field, but probably not as a freshman.

*left off Pesek-Hickson since he is not signing today and is another likely redshirt

That would certainly seem to…

That would certainly seem to fit the personnel better.  We seem to have a wealth of LB and S talent and are thinner on the DL.

The OL will be excellent in…

The OL will be excellent in 2019.  The running game will be fine, but with our talent on the outside, we better not be running into stacked boxes unless we're up by 20.

To answer your question directly, I think Turner and Evans both have better vision than Higdon and will find more creases.  But I also think when they take contact in the backfield they're more likely to lose yardage and they're less likely to turn 2 yards into four.  There will be higher variance in 0-5 yard runs next year.

Wow....that actually looks…

Wow....that actually looks really good.  Don't see the pessimism.  Also, is "L" your favorite letter?  You gave Gil and Vilain extras.  

  • Safety is absolutely a strength.
  • CB - Thomas should be excellent, and there are so many bullets, some one else will excel
  • Viper is loaded.  FWIW, Sam Webb says Haskins has been doing very well there.  Definitely ahead of Solomon, may leap Glasgow as well.  Barrett is back at Viper, I believe.
  • LB - Among Gil, Ross, Anthony, and McGrone, we'll have two very good starters and excellent back-ups.
  • DE - Don't agree that Hutch will pass Uche and Vilain.  Paye looked very good this year and should take another leap next year.
  • DT - Jeter, Kemp, Dwumfour is a nice group.  Hinton should be ready to play at either SDE or 3-Tech, so we might see another player slide to NT.  Hard for a true freshman to be ready at nose; Smith seems more likely to play 3T.

Strengths: Safety; LB; Edge rushing

Solid: DEs in general; at least one CB; starting DTs

Question Marks: DL depth, especially DT; CB depth

This is not a 2018, 2006, or 1997 defense, but it's still far better than any unit Don Brown had at BC, and more than good enough to do its part to win the B1G.  The offense will have to carry a heavier load in 2019, and they damn well better.

Players should make the best…

Players should make the best choices for them and their families.  There is a lot of value in practicing for and playing in a game against a quality opponent, but if they believe sitting out is best for them, I understand.

Go Blue!

Looks like another future…

Looks like another future NFL LB.  If he can add size and continue to add strength and speed, watch out.  He has great eye discipline and always seems to be in the right spot to do his job.  Flashed the ability to bend on a blitz and understands angles.  Very well-coached--he'll have a head start on some other guys.

This is flatly false.  Much…

This is flatly false.  Much like your pretend identity.

This sucks, and I wish…

This sucks, and I wish Solomon the best.  Hope this is good for him and his family.

The conjecture and vitriol on this board make no sense.  No one yet has any idea why he's transferring.  It could be academics, it could be disciplinary, it could be that he didn't get along with the coaches, it could be that he wants/needs to be closer to home, etc.

It could also be that there are some internal issues.  JH does have a history of rubbing some the wrong way.

This sure does suck, and I hope it ends up turning out well for all involved.  Go Blue!

 

He's definitely fast for his…

He's definitely fast for his size.  Decent lateral quickness as well.

I believe the reason he does not yet have much attention is as much about size as it is about speed.  He is only 5'10" and appears to have maxed out his frame.  He would be a very small FB at the college level.  For comparison, Bench is 6'3"/254.

I believe Charlie could be an effective college player, but if he's reached his ceiling in terms of size and athleticism, he may not get offers from Power 5 schools.

That said, I like his quickness and contact courage.  Would love to see him added as a PWO.  If he gets faster in 2020, his offers will take off.

Another future star LB…

Another future star LB. Welcome to the family and Go Blue!

It was an unimpressive win…

It was an unimpressive win against a bad opponent. No one is arguing otherwise. That said, it was still a comfortable win in the end and this team has absolutely beat up some very good competition. Did you see Nova almost take out Kansas today?

Another amazing addition to…

Another amazing addition to the class!

Reminds me of Higdon. While he’s not as fast as Karan, he’s very quick and has better vision. Absolutely fearless through the hole. Great lateral quickness and an ability to press one direction before exploding through a different gap. Lacks home run speed and appears to have already maxed out his frame. Great contact courage and could develop into a very good pass blocker. Very good balance and never stops his feet. 

It’s tempting to compare him to Hart, but he doesn’t have the moves Mike had. Other than that, pretty damn similar. 

Watch his film. I think he…

Watch his film. I think he will contribute. 

This is a non-story. Alabama…

This is a non-story. Alabama has the #1 class with the highest average rating. They’re not going to get the number one player in their state every year. That’s just how recruiting goes. 

You're absolutely right.  55…

You're absolutely right.  55% run is about perfect.  Clemson is about 56%.  OSU was close to 50/50 this season.  It's just so hard to look at our receiving targets and not want more.  Even our RBs could excel with more catches.

AP got this one wrong.  Bush…

AP got this one wrong.  Bush deserves the Unanimous honor, and has more than earned the Consensus selection.

Hope he continues to excel!

Thank you for the diary and…

Thank you for the diary and takeaways. 

  • We should definitely be closer to 55% (it was 63% this year) run next year, or even lower.  The passing game is loaded, with or without Shea.  Personally, I'd love to see our ratio at about 50/50.  There's just too much pass-catching talent to ignore.
  • I'd rather see Giles Jackson, Chris Evans, Michael Barett, etc. get the WR carries and throw to DPJ more, and keep letting him return punts.  Those sweeps can break big but can also be a huge hit--would rather not see DPJ doing too much of that.
  • Agree on Evans--he's being underrated as a runner.  He's not just a slot and he'll prove that (again) next year if he stays healthy.  He's not the bowling ball that Higdon is, but he has great vision and balance, and plus strength.  It's up to the staff to find the best running plays, but Evans is a complete back, even though he's not a bruiser.
  • The OL should set the tone.  If Warinner is back, I expect next year to be ridiculously good offensively.

 

 

Amazing work and illustrates…

Amazing work and illustrates some of the realities of recruiting.  Thank you!

DB, whether you are Maizen,…

DB, whether you are Maizen, Shawn, or a clone really makes no difference.  Your pathological commitment to your narrative is below the standards of MGoBlog.  Your straw man responses are just as bad.

Let's fisk your silly straw men:

  • I'm not paranoid.  Just want the old MGoBlog, where these sad little posts weren't allowed to exist.  That is perfectly reasonable and did, in fact, used to be the standard of this blog. 
  • I did not hijack this thread at all--only you and your alter ego/clone/other sick person The Chancre responded to my reasonable post.  Just made a passing statement about how sad it is that you and your clones can still post.
  • The definition of internet troll: "An Internet troll is a member of an online social community who deliberately tries to disrupt, attack, offend or generally cause trouble within the community by posting certain comments, photos, videos, GIFs or some other form of online content."  This is exactly you and your clones.  Whether you are aware of this fact or not only hinges on your mental state.
  • Constant bitching?  Take a look at my posting history.  The overwhelming majority of my posts are honest, balanced, reasoned responses to whatever topic is presented.  Some are critical of Michigan.  Sometimes I try to be funny or amuse myself.  Your history?  Entirely focused on a singular narrative that is the textbook definition of bitching.

Feel free to actually reply to the questions in my previous post, or, you know, any of the actual content here.  Or go ahead and continue personal attacks and straw men so you can stay on your topic.  Whatever.  I'll keep contributing to the board and will continue to request a return to higher posting standards.  Happy Holidays, and look in the mirror and say hello to The Chancre for me!

Chase has been amazing and…

Chase has been amazing and it's good to see PFF back that up.  Hope he reaches his goal of being a 1st round draft pick and tears up the NFL!

This is a hilarious response…

This is a hilarious response from someone who spends so much time as a troll.  The personal attack is a particularly mature touch, really adding a lot of validity to your well-reasoned point.

Do you really think it's unreasonable for a message board to have standards about who can post?  And do you really believe that a guy that is universally reviled and posts nothing but whatever scraps fit his unhealthy obsession fits the standard of a good poster?  How do you think MGoBlog should determine who can post?

You've only been here two weeks (well, at least with this troll account) so you don't remember that this blog used to have standards that made it a better place.  But your posting history clearly demonstrates that you don't want this blog to be a better place, and your vitriol over an honest and benign post about getting rid of DB's ability to post to the board proves that you are either:

  1. Another Maizen/DB/Shawn account
  2. A sad little troll from another fanbase
  3. Or a person in need of serious help

In any of these cases, I feel sorry for you, and will pray for you.  Happy Holidays!

Perhaps the greatest failure…

Perhaps the greatest failure of MGoBlog is that Diagonal Blue can still post.

This was not the early days…

This was not the early days of the Bad Boys.  This was before the Bad Boys.  That era started in 1986 when the Pistons drafted John Salley and Dennis Rodman.  That was after drafting Dumars the previous year.  That decade was defined by excellent front office decisions and drafting.  Both the Bad Boys and the Pistons of the Carlisle/Brown era were great teams, not reliant on one superstar.

If not for Michael Jordan, the Bad Boys would have hoisted another trophy or two.  They were a delight to watch.