James Burrill Angell

December 21st, 2009 at 11:02 PM ^

Brown played the "Spinner" Spot or SAM or whatever you want to call it https://www.michigandaily.com/content/depth-chart-released-qb-situation…

As you pointed out Furman apparently is projecting to the same (see the following Wolverine.com article from about 30 minutes ago if possible)
http://michigan.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1031514
relevant content "Michigan is looking at Furman to come in at the "Spinner" position, which is a hybrid safety/linebacker role. The 6-3, 194-pounder's 4.36 speed and 40-inch vertical suggest he could lend an explosive playmaking ability to the Wolverines' defense.

Although Marvin played safety in high school, and lord knows we could use some good safeties, several posting boards are and have been talking about Marvin at the Spinner spot. TheWolverine.com already has him listed as a LB on its commitment list. Also see this content from TheWolverineblog "The big concern, however, is defense. Marvin Robinson, despite the coaching staff and Robinson both saying he’s coming in as a safety, seems destined for linebacker (or spinner/deathbacker/whatever the hell Stevie Brown is playing). There is still a glaring need at safety...."

Magnus

December 22nd, 2009 at 12:52 AM ^

First of all, Greg Robinson has stated that there is no "Spinner" position. Brown was a strongside linebacker. The end.

Second, Rivals ranks players nationally; The Wolverine does not choose what position each player is given. Just because Marvin Robinson is listed as an OLB on Rivals doesn't mean he'll play there in college. Martell Webb was listed as a WR. How's that working out?

Third, Marvin Robinson has stated that he's going to play free safety. I really don't care what "posting boards" say when Robinson said that himself. It looks like you have a Rivals account, so feel free to look at it yourself:

"Coach Rich Rodriguez and Coach [Greg] Robinson were talking to me and they were basically telling me they want to start me off at free safety," Robinson said. "They said it depends on what team we are playing, they might move me down in the box or keep me at free safety."

http://michigan.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1019699

The glaring need at safety most likely refers to strong safety, which was manned most effectively by Troy Woolfolk. Neither Michael Williams or Jordan Kovacs seems able to play that position, and Vlad Emilien is a giant question mark. So yeah...I'd say there's a glaring need at safety.

BiaBiakabutuka21

December 22nd, 2009 at 1:24 AM ^

Not to get too far off topic but, do you think that Vlad has the necessary skill set to play SS?

I would like Woolfolk there, but with Warren gone, it seems more likely that he will be a corner.

I know a lot depends on Vlad's knee but I was curious to see what your thoughts are on him. It certainly would help a lot if he is a viable SS option in this D.

Magnus

December 22nd, 2009 at 1:37 AM ^

I think Woolfolk will be back at SS next year. The whole defense is better with him back there. Turner and Floyd/Cissoko/Jones/Christian/Grimes/whoever should be able to hold down the fort at corner. That's not an ideal situation, obviously, but you have to pick your poison with the lack of experience we'll have in the defensive backfield.

I do think Vlad could be okay there, but safety is not a place where you want to play an inexperienced player. Just like center and middle linebacker, it would be nice to have a steady succession of experienced players at the SS position.

bronxblue

December 21st, 2009 at 9:56 PM ^

I like how there were three posts within like 7 minutes of each other on this signing. Maybe UM fans are a bit obsessive about nabbing some good recruits? Ah well, I'll take it. Welcome Mr. Furman to the UM fold.

FL_Steve

December 21st, 2009 at 9:58 PM ^

Josh, I wish you the best of luck, I hope you are able to start in Stevie Bown's place. In four years you will have one of the best degrees in the country and will be carrying on Michigan's tradition in sending players to the NFL. I look forward to seeing you dominate in the secondary and wreak havoc in the backfield. Hail to the Victors! Glad you are a Wolverine

Nantucket Blue

December 21st, 2009 at 10:32 PM ^

Contribute right now
Take good angles to the ball
Cover backs in space.

Hope we don't look back
Sad at burning your redshirt
Playing special teams.

Rivals says athlete
Some say safety or 'backer
I say dreadlocked hope