Your opinions of players who step up starting this spring
Read an article of guys to watch this spring and im interested to hear more opinions.. So, 3 players who you want to see and feel will carve out a spot for themselves this year.
1. Ty Isaac - I am not big on comparing these guys to proven stars but i must here.. Isaac has a Matt Forte build and skill set in my opinion.. Tall, thick, hands that can allow him to split wide, and deceptive speed and power.. I like the talent of our RB group and think all of them can bring production if the OL improves.. Isaac is the one who can do it all though and i have a feeling he will be a huge addition to the offense.
2.Maurice Hurst - Showed some real flashes of the quickness we heard about last year.. This team desperately needs a pass rush and if it can come from the inside of the line that is even better.. Another year of weight room may be the final move in taking a leap from seeing flashes to consistent production from Mo Hurst.
3.Jehuu Chesson - I say this in part to believing the OL improves with the coaching of Drevno.. I felt last season we were hesitant to setup deep routes because the confidence was not there with the OL.. Chesson plays hard and if the offense can click in a Harbaugh way that means the running game is churning and the TEs-HBacks are moving the chains.. That can open up some deep shots and Chesson has the ability to make plays.
Excited to see spring ball and the hope is strong
February 12th, 2015 at 7:18 PM ^
February 12th, 2015 at 10:12 AM ^
I have high hopes for Jake Butt ... I think he's going to be something special.
The big question mark in my mind is who steps up in the LB corp to fill the shoes of Ryan?
February 12th, 2015 at 10:35 AM ^
February 12th, 2015 at 10:12 AM ^
Khalid Hill is a name to watch I think. He showed good hands last year before the injury and in this offense I think he will thrive. See him evening moving into the backfield at times.
Bunting - I'll preface this by saying as long as his blocking efficiency is adequate, then I think he see’s the field a lot, otherwise not much action.
PEPPERS! – please be the next coming of Ed Reed
February 12th, 2015 at 11:20 AM ^
Everyone seems to be focues on Bunting but Hill was actually starting to make some contributions in the passing game before he got hurt.
February 12th, 2015 at 10:14 AM ^
I can't help it, I'm human. So, of course I'm looking most forward to seeing some of the highest rated/hyped recruits that haven't yet been starters get significant snaps. On offense I'd love to see Ty Isaac and Drake Harris or Brian Cole. Issac because, well the RBs we've seen (Drake Johnson isn't healthy) haven't shown a ton yet. And, Harris/Cole becasue they both look like they have a lot of talent and it's a position we don't have a proven playmaker at yet.
On defense I'd like to see Peppers, McCray, Pipkins, and Charlton. Peppers because of his obvious hype and McCray somewhat the same, but he's shown a few flashes in his limited experience and there's a spot wide open for him to take. McCray didn't have as much hype, but he was a highly thought of recruit and hasn't seen many snaps. For that matter I'd love to see Gedeon beat out Morgan and Bolden. I think Gideon is our best LB and it would be nice to see him on the field more. He looked great against OSU his freshman year and I don't remember him on the field much last year. And, I'd like to see Pipkins and Charlton both on the field a lot. They both have the size and talent, and if healthy should be really good players. We need a pass rush and both are explosive to get some pressure on the QB. Charlton should be a load to handle.
February 12th, 2015 at 10:53 AM ^
February 12th, 2015 at 9:45 PM ^
I think it's a combination of factors. One is that the really only guy that was always on the field and seemed to be the focus on having around the ball was Ryan. They moved him from SAM to MIKE so that he would be on the field in all situations, which moved Bolden to SAM, no? Also, I think if you talk to most fans they think that Gedeon and Bolden seem to have the higher upside over Morgan, but Morgan is obviously the older and maybe more reliable choice. But, as the younger guys gain experience and get older you would assume the reliable factor becomes less obvious and the talent may become a bigger factor with upside. And, obviously Morgan was out with a season ending injury. An injury of that nature puts him in question IMO, especially with bigger, faster, and more talented younger guys coming up on his heels. Not saying he won't come back and reclaim his old spot, but I don't think it's a foregone conclusion. I don't remember seeing Ross on the field all that much. And, I don't know that we are sure what scheme the coaches will run yet. But, McCray seems like the most natural fit at SAM due to his size at 6-4 240. I'd guess that Morgan, Bolden, Gedeon, and RJS will all be in a battle at MIKE and WILL as both positions seemed to be interchangable last year. But, again who knows, this staff may go to a 3-4. But, if there is a SAM in a 4-3 McCray seems like the best fit IMO.
February 12th, 2015 at 10:18 AM ^
David Dawson- highly rated recruit that hasn't shown up at all.....period
Moe Ways- ready to become our best reciever with his size and hands, think Cole might start with him
Taco Charlton- Dude has all the tools to smash Qb's
Honorable mention.....Mccray, Stribbling, Kugler, Hurst, Poggi
February 12th, 2015 at 7:22 PM ^
February 12th, 2015 at 10:24 AM ^
Dawson and Speight on offense.
February 12th, 2015 at 10:55 AM ^
February 12th, 2015 at 10:32 AM ^
...The Team! The Team! The Team!
February 12th, 2015 at 10:33 AM ^
Some of the above comments about players "not showing up" are pretty harsh. Because someone didn't rise to the top under Hoke doesn't mean they haven't proven themselves or any other negative inferrence.
I'll look at it another way and this is not based on any comments from jr.
I wouldn't be surprised if the O line isn't just a redo of last year's ending lineup. I think we will see someone excel and take a postion 1 at a minimum.
Linebackers - same. I think there is some talent in the RS frosh level and somebody will make a statement this spring and get some markedly pronounced time in the fall.
I think all the RB/FB/HB contingent will show more than they ever have with Wheatley as the coach now. I just have to believe there is sound talent there that simply needs to be coached up.
February 12th, 2015 at 10:38 AM ^
Kalis
Kugler
Morris
February 12th, 2015 at 10:37 AM ^
The TE and FB will be used more. Butt and Kerridge should be a royal pain to opponents and blocking well for our new found running attack. Of course Qb is the most critical position and that looks to me to be wide open.
February 12th, 2015 at 10:38 AM ^
I think Harbaugh is reading the blog this morning (from his Twitter):
"Meritocracy- Process to determine an elite Team. Progress determined by Talent, Execution & Effort to rachet up in Bo's house Feb 24th 2015"
February 12th, 2015 at 10:39 AM ^
In no particular order:
- Ben Gedeon
- Ben Bradon
- Wilton Speight
The guys I think will shine are Issac, Peppers, and Brian Cole.
February 12th, 2015 at 10:44 AM ^
February 12th, 2015 at 10:45 AM ^
1) Derrick Green - before he got hurt he was running extremely well. I think Harbaugh will rely on him for most games
2) Peppers - I always wanted him at safety because he will be all over the field. Look for 5 or 6 interceptions, 4 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 punt return for a TD, etc...
3) Moe Ways - I think he is our next great WR. Dude has all the tools to wear #1
February 12th, 2015 at 7:24 PM ^
February 12th, 2015 at 10:26 PM ^
Green and Peppers were two of the guys I thought should really step up. Green lost a bunch of excess weight going into last season, I think he'll beastly with some help from Wheatley, Peppers will also gain a lot from the coaches and have a smooth transition to his new postition.
February 12th, 2015 at 10:48 AM ^
Morris.
February 12th, 2015 at 10:50 AM ^
Two players that I think have both potential and doubts that I want to see take a major step up are: Shane (or other QB) b/c duh and Taco Charlton for the pass rush.
Addressing the OP, Hurst moving up and being a reliable 3rd-down rush tackle would be great, but let's face it, we need it from the end. I think OJ is what he is, a decent weak end who's fine as a starter. But, Taco strikes me as a guy whose time to meet the hype is (and only now is) coming due.
February 12th, 2015 at 10:54 AM ^
The QB position is obvious. If either Morris and Speight do not win the starting position, I would maybe expect maybe a transfer or two there as this would mean they've been passed. I'd like to see who emerges as the FB and TE/H Back kind of guy who want to crack some heads. I think there are guys on the roster, (Houma, Shallman, Hill, Kerridge), that I think can be valuable in the offense.
February 12th, 2015 at 10:58 AM ^
Pound for pound one our biggest hitters. Can't help but think the new staff is going to love big hitters like Hill, Gedeon and Wormley
February 12th, 2015 at 11:00 AM ^
OP said the players that you want to step up and think will step up - ok, for me that eliminates Pipkins. I really, really want to see him step up and have a Mike Martin-type senior year. But if I'm being honest, I don't see it happening.
So.
1. Butt. Talent, experience, still young enough to expect growth from, going into a new scheme that spotlights his position.
2. Peppers. Talent, young, a position coach who has actually coached the position before, did I mention talent?
3. Cole. Honestly, if he was doing what he did last year under Funk as a true freshman, I'm thinking that w/Drevno et al. and another year of S&C, he's going to be an absolute monster this year.
February 12th, 2015 at 11:04 AM ^
February 12th, 2015 at 11:06 AM ^
Logical choices i.e. guys who began to flash a bit - are
- Gedeon
- Peppers
- Khalid Hill
- Isaac* (obviously didnt play last year)
- Charlton
Guys I think who if they come in can really change the team's prospects are
- Any damn QB
- Ways OR Harris OR Canteen (preferably 2 and especially Harris as he is the only guy I see with serious speed)
- Bunting
- Brandon Watson OR Stribling (preferably both)
- McCray (very touted LB out of HS who Magnus was not very high on but we need for 2016 as our LBs are cleared out)
- Andrew David
- Wormley - motor seems to be an issue here but he seems to make plays out there. If he can do it consistently it would help
- Poggi or Marshall - these are the 2 backup DEs, both highly touted esp Poggi. Need 1 to really step up this year.
Disagree with OP on Chesson. He is what he is in my mind unless something was wrong with him physically last year. He will be a tough minded, great blocking, possession type WR who tops out at 25-35 catches a year as a 3rd/4th WR - not the speed threat we heard of out of HS.
February 12th, 2015 at 11:05 AM ^
Here are the players that I'm going to be following in order to see how the respond to Harbaugh Competition/Coaching
The Obvious Candidates
"Sugar" Shane Morris
Love him, Hate him, outside of maybe Gentry, Morris has the highest ceiling of all the QBs. You just simply can't teach that kind of arm strength, size, while also being able to run a little. If he develops a little bit of accuracy and QB smarts, he could be special.
Jabrill Peppers
Because it's Jabrill Peppers
Intresting Guys to Follow
Logan Tuley-Tillman
With a new coaching staff comes a new open competition. I think if Tuley-Tillman can develop the skills to complement his impressive frame, he could impress and take over at RT.
Mason Cole
He had an impressive true freshman season. I want to see if he develops from high floor freshman into Jake Long territory
Ondre Pipkens
Impressive talent, would've benefited from a redshirt. We saw a coaching change positively impact Big Will Campbell, a guy similar to Pipkens
February 12th, 2015 at 11:19 AM ^
Ty Isaac: QB play will obviously be important, but a guy with Isaac's measurables running behind a more experienced line can take a lot of pressure off an inexperienced QB, and will also lead us to play better in road games (defense, run game travel well).
Bunting/Williams: In an offense that looks to heavily feature TEs, Michigan needs another solid TE to go along side Butt.
Pipkins: The recovery from the ACL tear slowed him down last year. Hopefully this season he can get back to being a bulldozer.
Honorable mention: Drake Harris, Peppers, Taco.
February 12th, 2015 at 11:33 AM ^
Shane Morris solidifies the offense and plays solid in 2015.
Taco Charlton mauls his way to a 10 sack season.
Dymonte Thomas: I don't know where. I don't know how, but the light will click on for him this year. Whether that's at safety, nickel corner, RB, punt returner - this staff will get the most out of him and he will contribute in a meaningful way.
February 12th, 2015 at 11:34 AM ^
Somebody, Anybody!
Lets get this train rolling and see some wins. Hail to The Victors!
February 12th, 2015 at 11:39 AM ^
Ideally I'd like to see a QB emerge out of the spring, but I don't think we'll get an idea of who that'll be until closer to September. Anyway, three guys who I think will emerge:
-Isaac - yes, I like Green and Smith, but Isaac is the one back on our roster who is, right now, a legitimate complete back. He'll be running behind a veteran offensive line that will finally receive quality coaching. Former blue chip guy who played well in the time he was given at USC. I think he'll be the go-to guy next Fall, with either Green or Smith providing the second half of a good 1-2 punch.
-Peppers - you can't tell me this guy isn't itching to get back on the field after his injury. I think he could be on this list based on pure talent alone, but with the good coaching he'll receive, he isn't going to just be good next year. He's going to be damn good. Potentially the best player on the defense. I can't wait to see him truck some chump receiver who dares cross over the middle of the field.
Bunting - I was tempted to putt Butt, but he's already proven he can play some good football. I think Bunting will take a step up partly out of necessity (Harbaugh loves him some TEs, and outside of Butt, we don't have any proven guys), but also out of talent. The guy is frickin' huge, with hands as big as frying pans. If he can avoid the injury bug, he'll be a mismatch every time he steps out onto the field.
February 12th, 2015 at 11:43 AM ^
you are speaking the good word, hit the proverbial nail on the head.
February 12th, 2015 at 11:42 AM ^
Isaac, Gedeon, and Peppers will all become leaders by example. Malzone will either take the lead at QB or push Speight to become a very solid player.
More importantly "who needs to step up the most" (aside from a QB)? Probably Ian Bunting. Harbaugh systems rely on two do-it-all tight ends. Butt can be the best TE in the B1G, if Bunting can make weight and become a solid #2 we can have a very solid (not exciting, but not worrisome) offense. If not we need multiple receivers who will block with tenacity in spread formations. All I see there is Darboh and Ways, not much depth in the physical WR department. Bunting is a critical stock this offseason.
February 12th, 2015 at 11:47 AM ^
Peppers - need him to start showing signs of being of a stud.
Kalis - if he's on the money then the running game will flourish!
February 12th, 2015 at 12:24 PM ^
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February 12th, 2015 at 12:32 PM ^
Probably, but he is making the move back to safety now. He has to refind his on the field dominance after a period of not playing football, and he doesn't really have the option to be less than good if our defense is to succeed. If he can be a 1st team B1G safety this year our defense improves in both run and pass and I think he takes those steps this spring. If we are truly going to be in press man the majority of the time as Zordich says, Peppers' will be one of the 3 most important positions - offense or defense - in order for us to have a successful year. I'm just saying I think his progress is more vitale and less guaranteed than people think, but I also think he gets the job done.
February 12th, 2015 at 11:55 AM ^
I can see all these guys stepping up. This discussion has highlighted how much talent there is on this roster and how much of it seemed to be underutilized or underperformed last year. WE GON BE GOOD. No one has mentioned Shallman yet. To me he seems like a perfect Harbaughian H back/full/TE masher. Imagine an agile, 6'3 250 full back with a head of steam and a fast, 6'3 225 RB (Isaac) rumbling toward you. He can block (according to his HS scouting) and can catch passes. Plus the occasional carry out of the backfield in a single back look. Could be a real useful cog in the offense.
February 12th, 2015 at 7:59 PM ^
February 12th, 2015 at 12:18 PM ^
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February 12th, 2015 at 12:25 PM ^
February 12th, 2015 at 12:30 PM ^
February 12th, 2015 at 1:00 PM ^
PEPPERS! It'll be nice to see someone get up the potential that Countess seemed to have years ago.
February 12th, 2015 at 1:08 PM ^
I'm for 'em.
February 12th, 2015 at 1:29 PM ^
February 12th, 2015 at 1:53 PM ^
February 12th, 2015 at 3:20 PM ^
We've been missing that for some time. He gets back in form this year and starts to show the step he had as a frosh.