Recruiting thoughts re: Williams and Johnson

This is an interesting scenario.  As a TE/H-back Johnson would need to learn how to block (assuming he doesn't do it much now so probably doesn't do it very well) and would still be extremely undersized.  His height would be a major concern (they would probably want someone at least pushing 6'3" and would prefer someone 6'4"-6'6"), and even his weight would be on the lower end of where they want (~245 lbs).  He would be a mismatch if teams respected him as an H-back, but that's where it would be difficult.  I don't think this is what the plan is, and assume that they want to give Johnson a try at TB with the option of moving him to WR, safety, OLB, etc. down the line.  He could be closer to ideal size for FB, but with a FB already in the class that doesn't seem likely.  Also, FBs are a breed of their own, it takes a certain mentality that you don't see with his film IMO (that's not a knock by the way, he just doesn't have the insane attitude associated with FB prospects).

I had originally thought there was a chance Williams moved inside, but I think the staff is sincere about wanting him at TE.  I think that they truly want someone who can be an effective blocker but still have the ability to run some routes, and not just in goal line situations.  I see him sticking at TE.

I say Johnson starts at RB and probably becomes Darnell Hood (depth where it is needed).  Most likely, and one thing that is nice about someone like Johnson and his apparent passion to play Michigan football, is that he will be a solid ST player in all aspects (an that doesn't really mean he is a return man, but may be a gunner, protection, etc).

Kinda sounds like what people wanted Tebow as. Anywho, I went to high school with Drake, he is a good 5'11"-6' in reality. No chance as a TE. He is a running back all the way.

Drake to Hback seems plausible. Its hard to project where he'll go when the class isn't even full yet. I personally would consider him at receiver depending on what happens with Dunn. What do I win if im right about this in four years?

Sam Webb seems to agree that AJ might move inside (up to 290 lbs. and did well at OT this year), and also  thinks that it is likely for Pharoah to move to TE as he has done well as a reciever this year.  Apparently Pharoah now prefers TE to DE.  I don't see Drake as an H-Back; if anything he could wind up  at WR but should get a shot at RB.

As good as this class is there are a couple of questionable decisions that have been made by the staff in light of the position preferences the reccruits have expressed. For example, if Pharoah Brown wants to play TE as opposed to DE then why did we turn away Se'von Pittman ( a guy reputed to be a better DE than Brown btw)? The Pittman scenario hurts even more if you consider he shortly thereafter signed with our instate rival. The same can also be said of Thompson. I've read reports that Michigan is still looking to bring in another TE. I don't know if that's accurate or not but if AJ Williams is a possibility as Guard or OT (remember he's 6'6/290) then why would we slow play Thompson who's supposed to be a decent pass catching TE? I won't even get into the Tommy Schutt and Danny O'Brien recruitments but suffice to say I wanted one more DT in this class. I also question the Houma offer given the huge needs we're facing at OL and WR positions as well as the open possibility of landing elite talent in Brionte, Yuri Wright, and Shaq Thompson. How do you turn those guys away if they want to come? After today's commitment we only have 4 more ships to give out. 

I agree AJ Williams may move to tackle, but that won't happen next year.  If and when he does move, we need another TE.  Funchess is going to be great, we need another on the roster - a big, classic TE.  Not an H-back.  Just my opinion

Now P. Brown to TE?  That makes sense.

Is way too small for tight end or H-Back.  Some reports indicate that he is really not 6' and weighs about 190.

If his reported 6-1 205lbs is accurate, it makes him one of the bigger backs on the squad.  If his speed is accurate (which we know is), he's one of the faster backs on the squad.  I don't remember what Wheatley weighed as an incoming freshman, but I think he was approximately the same size.

I, for one, am glad to see DJ in the fold.  I absolutely expect him to compete for the starting spot. 

Williams is a smart move to OL and Pharaoh Brown would make an exciting TE. If we can land a back like Dunn ... then there's a chance Drake Johnson could move to the defensive side of the ball. The kid is likely around 6' 195, and would make for a good safety given our lack of depth at safety.

However, he could easily stay at RB and either play a feature role, or be put in a Tandem with a powerful back ala Brionte Dunn or Thomas Rawls.

It's a good idea about H-Back, but I'd rather see him get a chance on returns and asa 3rd/4th WR.  6 feet with speed ad jumping ability (I'm guessing, but most hurdlers I knew in HS and college were good leapers) is a decent combination, and could be a nice downfield threat.  I don't foresee him being a All B1G guy or anything, but a nice depth guy on those 3/4 wide packages that Borges probably wants to run.

There have been a lot of good reasons why that is unlikely IRT Johnson.  He doesn't have the heighth or potential mass to make the move to TE or H-Back.  I think we can also rule it out because they already have Houma signed, who already seems to have a head start on the bulk and strength.  Even with the manball love, I can't imagine Hoke/Borges really wanting to expend two scholarships on H-Back projects.   Perhaps Borges wants to run some Flexbone, but I really doubt it.

Most likely these are a couple of good athletes who will be capable of providing offensive and special teams depth in a number of ways depending on how they develop and were recruited as such.