Sione Houma game (Credit to poster Spishak)
Figured I would repost this for you "Spishak" since he doesn't have enough points to start a thread. That way, more people can see this write-up he did:
Can't start a thread, so I thought I'd just throw this in somewhere--sorry if it pops up again elsewhere. Just got back from Sione Houma's game. Well, I went to half of it anyway. His team (Highland Rams; ranked 4th in state in class 4A) was up 35-0 at half and I figured Houma was probably going to be pulled for the second half, so I left so I could watch the rest of MSU's mediocre effort against YSU.
The home announcer pronounces his name, Say-own-ee Hoo-ma. They have quite a few polynesian players on the team, so I would imagine his pronunciation is correct. Who knows?
Sione plays OLB and FB/RB. He almost always is the soul back and lines up in a 3-point stance about 2 yards behind the QB. Their offense is NOT fancy. They did not once line up with more than two wideouts; they ran 80% of the time; mostly QB keepers. Houma runs between the tackles and right at the defense. Very fullback-ish. Didn't get to see his speed on display, if he has any. He is definitely a thumper; solidly built. He is 6', 6'1" in cleats. The program had him listed as 6'1", 210(!). Probably 195, IMO. He played only 1/3 of the defensive plays and they nearly always lined him up right on the DE's ass. (As a strange sidenote, their program had 22 players listed as RB's. Highland played onlyHouma in the backfield, though he didn't get many touches.)
His stats (for one half): 2.5 tackles (one tfl); 40 yds rushing, TD, on only 5 carries. His longest carry was 15 yards. They simply didn't need him much tonight as they had their opponent (Provo) very outmatched.
The only other player that stuck out was Highland's QB/DB, #6, Anthony Smithson. In one half, he accounted for 4 touchdowns, 3 rushing--one of them an impressive tackle-breaking, shifty 70 yard run. He is listed as a 5'11", 185 lb, senior. I could see him going to a D-I as an "athlete." Sorry; no video. And it would have been boring as hell. Just picture it: 5 up the middle carries. Maybe next week if there's anything worth putting up.
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:48 PM ^
A 195 fullback? I'm so glad he's taking up a spot this year.
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:51 PM ^
guide. Even if it's lying, do you really think Wellman won't be able to get him to weigh 230/240 in time?
September 3rd, 2011 at 6:55 AM ^
If Kerridge's knee is fine there will be enough time to get Houma to the desired weight. Kerridge was a true FB in HS at TC St. Francis, but blew out his knee and missed most if not all of his senior year. He is a walk on but had D1 offers before the injury and is currently around 235 pounds.
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:51 PM ^
Wow, how about you just trust Hoke.
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:54 PM ^
You joined Mgoblog a year before Hoke was hired. You almost made him your sign in name. Scary.
September 2nd, 2011 at 11:33 PM ^
2 21 98
September 3rd, 2011 at 12:05 AM ^
Well m last name is Hoekstra, my nickname is Hoek.
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:53 PM ^
Yeah, it's a real shame that 17 year olds don't gain weight.
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:58 PM ^
I was only 40 pounds heavier leaving college than I was in high school. I can see why he'd be concerned...
September 2nd, 2011 at 11:08 PM ^
Michiganfan97 and not michiganplayer97.
September 2nd, 2011 at 11:10 PM ^
my gain went from 112 pound high school wrestler to 150's leaving college. I'm not a huge guy lol
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:50 PM ^
Hope he can be a Soul Back at Michigan too
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:58 PM ^
Assholes, I was literally writing my comment below whilst you were ripping on me.
September 2nd, 2011 at 11:12 PM ^
No reason to get mad brah
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:56 PM ^
Sole, not soul. Well; maybe soul too. I wrote this very quickly--leave me alone grammar/spelling nazis. And bassmaster, he will not be 195 after some time in a real strength program. Whether or not you should be excited about him as a fullback recruit is up to you.
September 2nd, 2011 at 11:04 PM ^
We all really appreciate it.
September 3rd, 2011 at 12:37 AM ^
I'm just not a good enough writer to overcome the absence of tone of voice and body language inherent in messaging board posts. It's all in good fun; I'm a lighthearted guy. Sorry if I didn't convey it better, dnak. But don't tell me to fucking relax--it really pissed me off. Joking. See what I mean?
September 2nd, 2011 at 11:35 PM ^
It certainly beats having an Eeyore Back
September 3rd, 2011 at 1:49 AM ^
I left too soon. Houma ended up with 147 yards, 2 TDs on 13 carries. The QB I mentioned fared pretty well too. Here:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/tribpreps/52511094-190/highland-lone-peak-…
September 3rd, 2011 at 9:41 AM ^
Fear not the attacks of the grammar goons and the snarkocracy. Most of us really appreciate the first hand info - particularly from a remote region like Utah. Keep it coming.... 11+ yards per carry is sweet music.
September 3rd, 2011 at 6:31 AM ^
Houma will end up being the most unsung member of next years class who makes a huge impact at Michigan ... mark it down :)
September 3rd, 2011 at 7:20 AM ^
I know this wil be as it has already been foretold by he who soars and basks in glory.
September 3rd, 2011 at 7:22 AM ^
I think Hoke has changed the tide on the rivalry. Hell people in Ohio are starting to believe him. Never in a million years I would have thought that. Selling Michigan jerseys is a good start.