WR Recruiting
With Stonum dismissed from the team, is there a chance we lure another 1-2 WRs in the class?
We have a slim chance with Payton at this point - but any dark horse receivers still in the picture for Michigan? Anyone think Diggs might come to Michigan with the lure of early PT?
January 18th, 2012 at 10:01 AM ^
Your post is full of fail.
First of all, Cam weighs about 230/240 right now at a 6'3'' frame. He couldn't keep with tight ends like Eifert when he was a goddamn safety at 205, so now when he has 25 extra pounds on, why would you want him playing receiver?
Next, Cam actually is the best linebacker we had at the SAM spot before the season started. The reason why he sat out most of the season was because of a back injury, not because he was low on the depth chart. I still think he's going to switch over to MIKE (behind Demens) or WILL (supplant Morgan) because Ryan and then the combo of Ryan/Clark has too much playmaking potential to take off the field.
Finally, Junior ran a 4.5 40 yard... I don't think that's particularly slow. Is he Devin Hester or Denard Robinson? No. But is he about as fast as Tree or a lot of other NFL possession receivers? Yes. And that's his role. A big possession receiver.
January 18th, 2012 at 11:16 AM ^
That "4.5 40 yard" that Hemingway ran probably wasn't that legit. Most likely hand timed. Both Hemingway and Roundtree struggle a lot to get seperation, and to me it doesn't look like a route running problem as much as a lack of speed problem. If he did run a legit 4.5 then he certainly doesn't show it in football speed. I like Junior, he has great hands and adjusts to the ball well, but to say he is about as fast as a lot of other NFL possession receivers is most likely false. Avant, for instance, is faster than Junior, and he is a pretty "average speed" possession receiver in the NFL.
Overall though, I agree with the point you are making about Cam.
January 18th, 2012 at 10:13 AM ^
Gordon sat behind Beyer in part because he missed a ton of practice time with a back injury. I think he'll be back on the field regularly this season. It's not Beyer did anything special as a freshman, so he could very well see the field. Mattison was quite complimentary of him before the injury.
Also, Cam Gordon is slower than Junior Hemingway...and not as dangerous after the catch. He would be a waste at WR. Chesson and Darboh would both be better options to play next year.
January 18th, 2012 at 7:12 PM ^
While the Gordon injury might have opened the door, I have to disagree with your assessment of why Beyer got playing time. Coaches regularly mentioned him as someone who was going to be a good contributor at Michigan and he kept seeing the field. Beyer sprained his knee in the Nebraska game, missed the Ohio State game, and still got significant time on the field in the bowl game during key moments especially at the end of the game. Excited about both Beyer and Clark and how they will continue to develop. Certainly hope Gordon comes on strong too.
January 18th, 2012 at 9:58 AM ^
I got negged for asking a question that seriously concerned me about the football team. And we beat MSU also.
January 18th, 2012 at 11:40 AM ^
The only thing you can do that won't get negged is not post. It really shouldn't affect your day.
January 18th, 2012 at 1:22 PM ^
- First rule of points: don't talk about points.
- Corollary: whining about negbangs (i.e., a kind of speech about points) is even worse.
- Purpose of points: to keep trolls from posting, and to give newbies a bit of time to acclimate and figure out board etiquette before posting.
- Negs don't go into your point total. So who cares.
- Negs are a beauty contest. Again, who cares.
- If you read btw the lines, the mods are both amused and irritated by the fascination with points. And they aren't about to return to neg and pos bangs actually affecting your point totals.
January 18th, 2012 at 10:04 AM ^
Any thoughts on where we might incorporate j. hayes? IMO we definitely don't need anymore running backs but could he possibly be a wideout?
January 18th, 2012 at 10:14 AM ^
I think Hayes is going to stick at running back, at least for one more season. We're going to need a third down back after Vincent Smith graduates.
January 18th, 2012 at 11:16 AM ^
That they keep him at RB so that they are sure to have a 3rd down back in 2 years. Seems like a waste. If they need him at WR and he has the skills to make an impact, I'm sure they'll move him.
January 18th, 2012 at 10:22 AM ^
It's pretty uncommon for running backs to be switched to wideout. It takes a while to master the timing and hand skills necessary to play receiver, particularly on the outside. The skill set required to play tailback is just too different.
January 18th, 2012 at 11:25 AM ^
I saw him a lot in high school. Justice was playing more slot wr his senior year than he was RB. They had a bad that moved into the area for a year named Detrick Goff that was becoming the primary back before Justice was injured.
Having watched Justice a lot in high school, in my opinion his impact as a RB would be Mike Shaw esque. I think he would have a greater impact being the next Jeremy Gallon, but of course, that is just my opinion.
January 18th, 2012 at 10:16 AM ^
Why is everyone so pessimistic about our chances with Payton? He took an official back in September for UTL, didn't he? Aquaman spoke with him the other day and said that we have a legit shot. Am I missing something?
January 18th, 2012 at 10:49 AM ^
We are pessimistic about Payton because we have no evidence that he really wants to leave Cali.
January 18th, 2012 at 10:52 AM ^
Isn't the fact that he took an official to Michigan an indication that he's willing to leave Cali?
January 18th, 2012 at 11:17 AM ^
I think being committed to USC and then Cal speaks more about where he wants to be.
I'm not saying he won't come to Michigan, since the coaching situation at Cal has obviously thrown a wrench into things...
...but we're pessimists because he's been committed to two schools, neither of which is Michigan, and neither of which is outside of his home state.
January 18th, 2012 at 11:32 AM ^
My take on it is that he would like to come to Michigan (or is at least interested in Michigan), but his family doesn't want him that far away. If that's the case, I'm glad he's not going to commit just to have his mother panic when it's time for him to go. (See: Gunner Kiel)
January 18th, 2012 at 11:41 AM ^
I think we is (or was) very interested in Michigan. Remember, we was on the verge of committing to us. So much so, that Brian put a front page blurb about all the positive signs pointing directly to Michigan. He also set a date to announce. Then he visited ND, then wavered, then ended up closer to home. I think you are correct that the family issues want him to stay closer to home. Hopefully the in-home visit can alleviate some of the family's fears, especially considering Washington isn't driving distance to his home either.
January 18th, 2012 at 10:19 AM ^
Let them know you are on your way back (if not already there)! And they can be a part of something special (Fab Five) . . . one or two key pieces to the puzzle and we are there!
January 18th, 2012 at 10:32 AM ^
celebrated with the news that Stonum was dismissed yesterday?
Oh wait-- I should specify-- I wonder if the select few known as literate Alabamans are celebrating the news? #CHEAPSHOT
January 18th, 2012 at 1:13 PM ^
There is no such thing as an Alabaman.
January 18th, 2012 at 4:34 PM ^
They are Sons of Alabama.
January 18th, 2012 at 10:49 AM ^
Unless you find a guy who is going to make an impact THIS season...how does Stonum's departure affect THIS year's WR class?
There's no point in adding bodies. Stonum was going to be here for one year. You're better off not adding someone who's just going to redshirt and looking for someone who's going to make an instant impact in the 2013 class.
January 18th, 2012 at 11:20 AM ^
If you can get a good wide receiver, you should replace him. We have the room in our recruiting class, whether he needs to redshirt or not. Payton could play in 2012, but Madaris would probably need to redshirt. But if Madaris is good enough to make an impact in 2013 and beyond, then there's no reason not to take him.
January 18th, 2012 at 11:15 AM ^
I have a feeling Payton is going to Washington. They were at his house last night and he's going for an official this weekend. And this morning he tweeted:
"The morning starts and im starting to realize where i belong.#thisislife"
January 18th, 2012 at 11:18 AM ^
"It's always a good idea to follow an assistant coach."
Sincerely,
Cullen Christian
January 18th, 2012 at 11:27 AM ^
Great point
January 18th, 2012 at 11:29 AM ^
I just don't understand how committing to an assistant position coach can seem like a good idea. Do they not realize that except for a few rare exceptions, these coaches switch schools looking for promotions/climb the ladder every few years? If a guy just spent the entire year convincing you to come to Cal, then leaves, and all of a sudden, Washington is the place to be, that doesn't raise any red flags?
January 18th, 2012 at 11:52 AM ^
High school kids are not necessarily known for flawless logical thinking.
January 18th, 2012 at 11:57 AM ^
Yuri Wright's seems pretty good.
January 18th, 2012 at 11:53 AM ^
Plus he's not even his position coach, so I have no idea why a WR would care so much.
January 18th, 2012 at 12:17 PM ^
Just because Cullen Christian made a bad choice doesn't mean Payton won't. Payton doesn't come across as the sharpest decision maker even on his best days.
January 18th, 2012 at 11:32 AM ^
I'll step in and take one for the team. 6'1", 215, 4.6 40.... direct replacement for Hemingway. LOL
January 18th, 2012 at 11:39 AM ^
If you're truly 6'1", 215 lbs., and run a 4.6 forty, then I doubt you would be hanging out on a message board instead of actually playing sports.
January 18th, 2012 at 11:55 AM ^
High school was a long time ago...and I never had the work ethic to overcome a junior year season ender. One can dream though right?
January 18th, 2012 at 1:09 PM ^
Maybe your name gives a clue to why you didn't make it.
January 18th, 2012 at 11:45 AM ^
Because of Payton's decision to visit Washington this weekend, the in home with Hoke may not even happen tomorrow.
The kid is not interested in leaving the west coast.
January 18th, 2012 at 12:45 PM ^
I am glad to see a few posts ago that someone finally mentioned Hayes. I know its been a while since hes seen the field of battle but moving him to WR seems a little more viable at this point. I am not a coach or scout but I hope he pans out. Its been a while since we had a WR named Hayes out there (Mercury) tearing up Ohio.
January 18th, 2012 at 1:11 PM ^
Fred Jackson won't allow it. I believe the quote was "Justice Hayes is a running back and will be a running back."
January 18th, 2012 at 1:24 PM ^
Given the whiff of pessimism around here, I think it's important to note that Stonum's exit allows Michigan to honestly tell recruits that the starting wideout position is now there for the taking by a true freshman. In all likelihood, a freshman will be starting at some point next season. Then throw in the fact that Shane is scheduled to arrive in 2013.
How many top teams can honestly offer such an opportunity? It must be awfully enticing to Payton, Madaris et al. You have to believe they're thinking they just have to beat out one peer -- Darboh -- since Chessum is a three-star who needs some polish. Next year, after Roundtree leaves, probably two members of this class will be starting. So I'd be bullish about M's odds of landing another good receiver this year.
January 18th, 2012 at 1:26 PM ^
Madaris is off the board. He will be visiting Michigan State this weekend and there are rumblings of an impending commitment.
January 18th, 2012 at 3:50 PM ^
Big time College football games are won in the trenches, most specifically the defensive line. While receiver is important, it is not a position that will lead us to win the MNC. I hope Hoke and company recruit the shit out of the defensive front!
January 18th, 2012 at 4:05 PM ^
Any chance we can get back in on this guy. Can we forgive and forget/
January 18th, 2012 at 4:11 PM ^
the good news is he dropped Ohio in his list too so we know Meyer has been shut down on recruiting him. I would love to see us try to pursue Diggs again I think he would be amazing with Hemmingway, Odoms and Roundtree.
January 18th, 2012 at 8:58 PM ^
Or snag a few more walk-ons?
Bo Dever is one - any others?
January 18th, 2012 at 11:54 PM ^
What about Yehu Chesson? Is it possible Chesson and Darboh both see the field early? But I think we're all forgetting about Jerry Glanda, he had that sweet catch in Sugar Bowl!!!!!