Player You Most Want To Have A Breakout Year

Submitted by brewandbluesaturdays on

So this isn't a question of who you expect to have a breakout year, or who M needs to have, have a breakout year to be successful, but just, who on the roster, maybe an under the radar player, do you want to see most have a breakout year?

For Me it's Je'ron Stokes. I loved the kids highlight tape coming out of high school. I loved how he and his family defended his words during the Freep Jihad. I also believe, that if everything can click for this kid, with his skill set, he could be a major contributor in the new offense.

The offseason sucks as we all know, so, go at it, discuss, and waste some time at work on a Thursday, and as always Go Blue!

Michigan Shirt

July 14th, 2011 at 10:49 AM ^

Denard, because if he has another breakout year, it means that he got his passing down. Actually wouldn't mind Cox finally showing off some of that talent that everyone keeps talking about.

Mr Mackey

July 14th, 2011 at 10:48 AM ^

Hopkins. I had a class with him last year, and he was absolutely hilarious. It doesn't hurt that we really need a RB to step up, and he has the opportunity to do that. I'd love to see a big RB busting through holes again

highestman

July 14th, 2011 at 11:11 PM ^

I really think Mike Shaw has always showed good moves and I never understood why RR played vinny smith so much more.  I feel like everyone is hoping Hopkins or a freshman will step up and be the main back, but I really think Shaw has the ability to have a solid senior yea.  Not that those other guys should get a chance or they won't be great on day, but I'd take a player like Shaw who's got 3 years of experience under his belt over a youngin no matter how many stars he comes in with.

Am I crazy for thinking Shaw might suprise people???

Snidely Doo Rash

July 14th, 2011 at 11:42 PM ^

I like Shaw's fight and skill set and would bet thousands of dollhairs Hoke and FreddieJack are challenging him to step up as a senior.  He needs the game slow down for him as per DRob so he makes quick decisions that lead to big plays.   

That being said, competition at tailback needs to pay dividends this season and should be intense during fall practice.   I like Smith but see him more as a spot player andtend to agree with you regarding RR. 

He or she who hesitates is lost, aye.

Beavis

July 14th, 2011 at 10:49 AM ^

Disagree with choosing an offensive player (unless you're selling me Rawls or Hayes).  

Defense is so hard to choose.  At first I was going to say Marvin Robinson, but he's only a sophomore, and 2012 is his year to make "the leap" as Kovacs will be gone.  Then I really wanted to say Jake Ryan, because I think the kid can play.  But I really think we'll be OK at linebacker this year with Demens and Gordon (the new Mouton, IMO).  

It really has to be Will Campbell.  Five stars.  Nothing thus far.  Promising (encouraging?) spring.  I really can't see how anyone would consider anyone else here.  He's the key to just how much our defense improves this year.

(BTW summer reports on Blake Countess have been really good as well - you can add him to the list of honorable mentions)

brewandbluesaturdays

July 14th, 2011 at 10:53 AM ^

I definitely want to see defensive players have a breakout year. William Campbell is easily my number 2 choice. I loved watching him after the Hopkins TD against ND last year and his reaction to blowing up the ND defender. But, for me personally, I for whatever reason want to see Je'Ron Stokes as a major contributor on this team. It could be that, I have a man crush on his highlight tape, but that's up for debate.

Mr Mackey

July 14th, 2011 at 10:56 AM ^

It'd be amazing for Campbell to have a breakout year. Our defensive line really needs him to step up. And it's not stupid to say an offensive player, as his question was about a player we want to have a breakout year, not one that's needed

Beavis

July 14th, 2011 at 10:57 AM ^

Logically speaking, why would you want another player to have a "break out" year if some other player's potential break out year would equal more wins?  You are either that kid's parents, a total f*cking moron, or delusional about how much "your" player means to the team.  

Man, that doesn't read very well, but I don't know what to do to fix it.  

Mr Mackey

July 14th, 2011 at 11:01 AM ^

Because, as I said in my post, I know him, so I personally want him to do well.

For the record, though, my response was poorly stated. I agree with you completely about BWC being the most important, and for that reason he's the one I want to have a break out year with personal feelings aside.

BradP

July 14th, 2011 at 11:00 AM ^

I went with a running back first, because I think our defense can be at least acceptable without any breakthrough stars.  I will likely be happy with a defense that has gotten a year older and knows its assignments.  Without a RB stepping up, however, I think we could see a very difficult year on offense.

Baldbill

July 14th, 2011 at 11:04 AM ^

As bad as our defense has been, I would love to see a defensive player really step up. I think getting such a year out of WC, would make the D-Line, sooo much better. Martin, Roh, and others would really have a better chance themselves if WC steps up.

yoopergoblue

July 14th, 2011 at 7:15 PM ^

I have read some good things about Marvin Robinson lately and I believe that he will be a great player when everything comes together as far as knowing where to be.  He definitely looks the part.  I have a good feeling about Cam Gordon too.  I think that he will surprise some people this year as a linebacker.

Wolverine0056

July 14th, 2011 at 10:49 AM ^

For me it is Big Will Campbell. I know he is one that needs to have a breakout year for the success of the team, but I want him to have a breakout year because of the hype he had out of high school. He has the ability, I think he just wasn't a main focus of coaching by the last coaching staff. I hope with Hoke and Mattison working with Montgomery, BWC can become a stud that opens up opportunities for the LBs. 

Zone Left

July 14th, 2011 at 6:40 PM ^

First Kenny Demons pic. At least he's an athlete, but he looks a little old to be a college football player.

I'd love to see one of the Sophomore/Redshirt Freshman safeties pick up an All Big 10 team or honorable mention nod. The defense would be so much better if there was a consistent playmaker back there.

MGoDC

July 14th, 2011 at 10:49 AM ^

I want Denard to have a breakout year. Because, in order for him to have a breakout year, that means he needs to perform significantly better than last year. Perhap he can hang 1000 yards on ND this year? Throw for 5000 and run for 2500? 70 TDs? 14 wins?

GoBlueinMN

July 14th, 2011 at 10:51 AM ^

I would like to see Roh have a monster year. He has seemed like he had the physical tools to be a great rush end since he arrived but there has always been something holding him back (size freshman year, GERG/playing LB last season).

Six Zero

July 14th, 2011 at 10:52 AM ^

If so, expect about 84 additional responses from me.

Oh, and naturally, I'd desperately like to see Demens or Ryan become an absolute beast this year.

BradP

July 14th, 2011 at 10:53 AM ^

In order:

1.  Stephen Hopkins, but any of the backs will do for a little more versatility and consistency on the offensive side of the ball.  Plus the read option combination would be devastating.

2.  Courtney Avery, cause they could really, really use it.

3.  Cam Gordon, because he is my favorite player on this team, he is a gamer, and I would love to see him find a good fit on the defense.

4.  W. Campbell / Q. Washington, See #2

Keeeeurt

July 14th, 2011 at 10:53 AM ^

For me it's Carvin Johnson. He was a totally under-radar guy and he seems like he can be a really good safety. Plus, the picture of him with the state championship MVP plaque and that sad look on his face since his team lost made me want to see him succeed.

Snidely Doo Rash

July 14th, 2011 at 10:08 PM ^

Winston Churchill in this picture.  Am I losing it?  Maybe he will start flashing the crowd the V sign and add to the pointing gestures to confirm my suspicion that he is not only a fan but the man reincarnate.  

My breakout pick is Gallon--America is waiting along with Byrne/Eno for the moves he flashed  on youtube coming out of school.  My personal feeling is that he clashed with RR and staff and barely made it to the Hoke regime as a wolver--seize the day JEREMY.

Blue in Yarmouth

July 15th, 2011 at 8:43 AM ^

First: I don't think Hoke looks anything like Chrurchill. Can someone with more talent than me put pictures of the two up side by side just for comparisons sake?

Second: How  on earth do you get the idea Gallon and RR (and staff) clashed? Do you remember how he, on prbably 50% or more of his touches, made aweful mistakes and yet still held down the job of returner? I thought the staff was exceptionally understanding where Gallon was concerned...maybe that's just me though.

pmayo19

July 14th, 2011 at 10:54 AM ^

I would love to see roh have a breakout year. expect 6 to 9 sacks and a bunch of pass blocks. on the offense Im want rawls to breakout. think this kid is gonna be a force to be reckoned with.

OHbornUMfan

July 14th, 2011 at 10:55 AM ^

As I think through the D, I would love to see them each make a step such that offenses can't gameplan to focus on one dude and win one on ones across the rest of the board.  For RVB and Roh and Big Will to step up will make life easier for Martin, the LBs, the DBs and so on.  It's been so long since 3rd and long meant our DEs would be meeting 9 yards deep in the backfield, and I'm hoping that becomes the case again soon.

 

AC1997

July 14th, 2011 at 11:02 AM ^

This is a cop out, but here's my list since I couldn't narrow it down:

1.  Roh/Black - If we have a DE getting consistent pressure that makes it so much easier on the DBs and means that it won't be as easy to double the DTs. 

2.  Carvin Johnson - I think he's quite good and I'd like to see him make us rest easy at FS without worrying about guys running free or him missing tackles while going for a big hit.

3.  Any RB....anyone - I don't really care who it is, I just would like to find a RB that can get consistent carries and be a threat to keep the defense honest. 

Of course it goes without saying that our kicker is at the top of any list, so I left them out.