jbibiza

April 10th, 2012 at 8:00 AM ^

Thanks magnus and thanks to Andrew for asking the questions that most of us wanted answered - speed, position possibilities and the like.

74polSKA

April 10th, 2012 at 8:45 AM ^

His speed is incredible for a kid his size.  Did he indicate whether the 4.36-4.38 forty was timed during track or football season?  The 10.7 100 meters was during track season obviously (IIRC, Denard ran a 10.44 in hs).  I'm just curious what speed he'll be able to keep if he gets up to the 220 playing weight Coach Jackson wants.  Really good interview.  I'm impressed that he wants to attend medical school.  Seems like another quality person and football player.

Magnus

April 10th, 2012 at 9:48 AM ^

I've passed along the question to Andrew, who doesn't comment here at MGoBlog.  I'll let you know when he gets back to me.

EDIT: Andrew says that he assumes the track times were recorded during both football season and track season, since his track coach and his football coach have both timed him in the forty.  He also said that his time is consistently within that range, so it doesn't sound like the sports season really affects him.  Basically, he's always fast.

Leroy Hoard

April 10th, 2012 at 9:09 AM ^

Given that he's already got college size and great speed (but not the shiftiest) I think he'll see the field quickly as a kickoff returner and special teams demon. Kickoffs in particular are great for straight line runners who can slam it straight up the field and if they get a crease have enough speed to take it all the way, whixh he clearly does. That may be as far as he gets, but you never know what he can do once he gets a chance.

Magnus

April 10th, 2012 at 9:43 AM ^

I kind of doubt they'll entrust the kickoff return job to a true freshman . . . and if they do, my guess would be that Dennis Norfleet would have dibs.  After all, Norfleet was recruited almost exclusively as a return guy.

stbowie

April 10th, 2012 at 9:18 AM ^

IIRC, didn't have have some problems fumbling the ball once he got into some more serious competition? Definitely excited for the kid to do well, but the coaches may want to work on his ball security before putting him out on the field consistently. Seems like a good candidate for a redshirt year - plus maybe then he could get one of those years of medical school out of it.

Ron Utah

April 10th, 2012 at 10:03 AM ^

I have been saying since I watched his tape that this kid could contribute immediately, and really push for time in 2013.  Given that Rawls and Hayes have developed to complement Fitz and Smith, it would be great if we could redshirt him, but I wouldn't be disappointed if he was on the field.

I really think this kid is a RB, and that's where he'll stay.  He fits the Hoke/Borges model and has the tools to be a great player, IMO.

BubbaT33

April 10th, 2012 at 10:49 AM ^

Thanks for the interview!  I look forward to the one with Devin . . . speed and smarts could really be a lethal combination.  Does anyone know if he likes to hit people?  Doesn't sound like he really enjoyed his time on the defensive side of the ball.

yzerman19

April 10th, 2012 at 11:12 AM ^

HOw big was david harris coming out of HS?  David Harris was a big fast RB who plays at 250 for the jets now.  what are the odds this kid turns into the next david harris and leaves guys like joe bolden on the bench or transferring?  that speed is insane at his size and he could get up to 235 lbs., no?

WolvinLA2

April 10th, 2012 at 11:44 AM ^

The impressive part about Drake's weight is that he ends half the year de-emphasizing the bulk to work on his track work outs. If he comes to M and focuses solely on being a top RB in his work outs year round, he could get pretty big.

I know we've been high on a lot of other guys, but a lightning fast 220lb RB sounds good to me.

NoMoPincherBug

April 10th, 2012 at 2:50 PM ^

220 runnin 4.4s would be impressive as hell...  That is interesting that Tom Slade was his step father.  Slade and Bo were very close, he became Bo's dentist after his career at Michigan.