Practice bits from Brandon Justice of TWL
Some more good stuff from the Wolverine Lounge breaking down each position group and their progress.
From one of his sources: “Jim McElwain has seen talent in his day, ane even he is surprised at this roster’s stacked talent.”
Full article: https://thewolverinelounge.com/2018/08/fall-camp-files-august-17/
August 18th, 2018 at 2:00 AM ^
that was during the spring he's 100 percent now
August 18th, 2018 at 9:14 AM ^
It wish one of these insider reports would provide a couple more details as to how the OT battle is going. Just about every day we get another version of the whole "well right now it looks like it could be Mayfield or it might be JBB, but don't count out Hudson or Stueber" thing. But what can we really do with that information?
We know JBB is a good run blocker, but has struggled in pass pro. If Mayfield genuinely is ahead of him, it could mean any number of things: that Mayfield is a comparable run blocker and better in pass pro, or that Mayfield is comparable in pass pro but even better at run blocking, or that Mayfield is an inferior run blocker but superior at pass pro and the staff prefers that combo to the former, or even that Mayfield is about even to JBB in both phases already and is favored due to anticipated development. There's countless other possible explanations as well. And that's without even getting into what's happening with any of the other OT candidates. So it would really be nice if somebody would just elaborate a bit on this stuff--even to say what a couple of the guys we haven't seen do well/don't do well so that we could make projections from there.
But I guess that's one of the reasons for going into a submarine...
August 18th, 2018 at 10:07 AM ^
I don't have any insider information, but my take from watching last year and reading lots of posts like is the following:
Runyan to date is the best, most consistent of the tackles, but he is 6'4" or 6' 5" and more of a RT
JBB is more experienced/consistent than the younger guys but lacks the athleticism of the younger guys (Hudson, Stueber, Mayfield). If season started today, JBB by my guess.
Hudson/Stueber have the size and athleticism to be better than JBB (and Runyan long term) but have not put together enough consistent play to pass JBB.
If Mayfield is anywhere close to the others after a couple weeks of camp, he could easily pass them with two more weeks of practice.
I wouldn't be surprised by any of the above being a starter. It will be Runyan and JBB against ND unless one of the young guys can get that consistency in the next 2 weeks which could easily happen. I will predict that one of Hudson/Stueber or Mayfield is starting by the end of the year.
August 18th, 2018 at 11:50 AM ^
Height doesn't matter to me as long as he has the arm length to play OT which is far more important than being 6'6". He's plenty tall enough to play it. Plus, he's the most athletic OT based on workout numbers he put up. Why would he be limited to RT?
August 18th, 2018 at 12:23 PM ^
I agree he might end up at LT like Mason Cole because he is the best tackle we have. This is probably the most likely outcome at this point. Ideally, you would have someone taller like Taylor Lewan, presumably to have longer arms to better deal with pass rushers on the QB blind side.
August 20th, 2018 at 3:42 PM ^
We don't know Runyan's arm length. It could be long as hell for all we know but he is their most athletic OT on the roster.
Look at Joe Thomas, he has short arms and will retire as one of the best OT of all time. It's about athleticism and techniques more than height.
August 18th, 2018 at 10:14 AM ^
The best you’re going to get right now is: “Two players will start at offensive tackle, one on the right side of the line and one on the left side of the line.”
It wouldn’t shock me at all if Jim himself says something of this nature.
August 18th, 2018 at 9:56 AM ^
Oh man! I have never been so excited to watch UM play football. This month of August has taken forever. I know I should not be wasting precious summer time obsessing over “a bunch of kids playing football” but I just can’t help it!! There is something in the air this year that seems like this could be a special season. I really wish I could go back and see how the board was feeling and what record predictions were last year at this time. I know, for me, it was a cautiously optimistic but we will have to wait and see how all the young guys perform sort of feeling. This years feeling is a far far cry from that. The new kids are one more year older and it’s go time!
Aaaahhhhhhh!!!
August 18th, 2018 at 10:50 AM ^
Is Samuels a RS freshman? I thought he played special teams all year last season. His mgoblue bio says he participated in 9 games last year.
August 18th, 2018 at 1:31 PM ^
He also had a garbage carry against Maryland. He is a true sophomore.
August 18th, 2018 at 2:39 PM ^
Jordan is the GOAT, not LeBron