Michigan would still take Pocic [UPDATED: apparently not]

Submitted by Mr.Mario86 on

[UPDATE: Tom's post has been updated to state that Michigan now says they're full.]

After reading some things over on WolverineNation, I came across Ethan Pocic. He called coach Funk, and asked him if there would still be a spot for him if he were to commit. Funk told him they would [accept] his commitment.

http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/collegesMichigan/post?id=2990&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fblog%2fcollegesMichigan%2fpost%3fid%3d2990 

Yes, the article is paywalled but most is free. Mods feel free to delete if needed to.

[ED:BISB - Accept. Otherwise, this is fine]

Coastal Elite

March 1st, 2012 at 8:06 PM ^

I'm not disagreeing with you here, but couldn't you be a little bit *too* stacked at the lines if you're devoting so many scholarships to depth that you start to be thin on the skill postiions? I don't think we're even close to approaching that stage - and maybe that was your point - but if every lineman in the country wants to play for Hoke, couldn't this be a concern down the road?

RioThaN

March 1st, 2012 at 8:42 PM ^

Trying to do the math

we have:

4 seniors

2 juniors

2 RS freshemen

4 True freshmen

Totals 12

Next year we'd be up to 13 counting this 5 men

Getting 6 this year would put us at 17, I remember Hoke saying he wanted 15 OL at all times, it'd be pretty cramped but doable, maybe he can switch someone to DL in the future?

Belisarius

March 1st, 2012 at 8:46 PM ^

If Pocic committed before Kugler, he would have to compete with: two probable tackles in this class (one who some predict inside). If Pocic commits now, after Kugler, he would have to compete with: two probable tackles in this class (one who some predict inside). Kugler's commitment doesn't really change anything for Pocic's math, except providing a better chance for a solid interior line.

jg2112

March 1st, 2012 at 8:18 PM ^

Yes, he means Dan Gibbs.

I don't differentiate between scholarship players and walk-ons, let alone preferred walk-ons who turn down full rides from elsewhere.

For that same reason I consider Bo Dever to be part of the 2012 WR recruiting haul.

bacon1431

March 1st, 2012 at 9:21 PM ^

Yeah, counting walk-ons, we have 12 OL coming back to go along with the 4 scholarship OL in the 2012 class, plus Gibbs plus whatever other walk-ons get there. We have a minimum 17 next year. Why the hell are we taking 5 or more this year? It's crazy!

Obviously that is a very silly way to look at it.

Silly Goose

March 1st, 2012 at 7:36 PM ^

With Braden and Kalis possibly playing this year, that spreads things out over three years, so it isn't unreasonable to think he might still sign up.

dennisblundon

March 1st, 2012 at 8:14 PM ^

I like Pocic's film. He plays to the whistle and shows some decent foot work for a big man. It is hard to really gauge his strength because it looks like he is in a lesser division. The film of pancakes may not feature one guy over 230.

VermontMichiganFan

March 1st, 2012 at 8:15 PM ^

If he wants to come you'd be crazy to say no.  Great position to have depth at- and we will have few players with experience to play.

What's the worst that can happen?  Another OL decides to leave I suppose- although likely an inferior one.

Unless Hoke told recruits don't worry no more OL you take him.

VermontMichiganFan

March 1st, 2012 at 8:25 PM ^

I was speaking more generally- looking at this class not sure there is one- which is part of why I think there's not much downside to taking him.

I was thinking more generally that if you take more players at a position than expected early that the likely result is one of the lower ranked guys to perhaps leave thinking he won't play.

dennisblundon

March 1st, 2012 at 8:42 PM ^

Just messing with you. I agree there isn't much downside to taking him but I also think that there isn't much upside either. Pocic to me, projects to right tackle, which a number of players that are highly regarded could also play. That is why I say Tunsil, who is a LT or a 3 LB or WR. Maybe even another QB.

seegoblu

March 2nd, 2012 at 7:58 AM ^

Fill your needs as best you can and then be even more selective when it comes to finishing off the class. Take the best available talent and worry about how they shake out later...with position switches, injuries and kids not living up to projected talent levels, it couldn't hurt to add a top 30 overall player.