TomVH: New Quarterback Recruit
I've written, and tweeted, quite a bit about QB Kevin Sousa, from Lake Nona High School in Florida. I figured that Michigan would eventually start recruiting him, because most of the quarterbacks Michigan had offered, weren't that interested in Michigan.
I received an email from Kevin today, and it said the following:
I called coach (Rod) Smith today, and they are going to recruit me. He is meeting with coach Rodriguez tomorrow as to a possible offer. He said that the guys they were recruiting are no longer interested in Michigan, and they have opened it up again as far as looking for a QB.
This probably gives you a clear picture on the status of Cordale Jones, and it has been known for awhile now that Marquise Williams isn't picking Michigan. Kevin keeps in constant contact with me, and has been hoping for a Michigan offer this whole time.
I had an update on Kevin, back in March about visits he was taking, and how his coach felt about Michigan. Kevin's coach said:
He's a perfect fit for a Michigan, West Virginia, or Oregon type offense....Kevin and I both think that Michigan is on the top of that list.
Here's the most recent film on Sousa, from Lake Nona's Spring Game in May:
Kevin had this to say about a potential commitment.
I wouldn't commit until I sat and visited with the coaches, and talked it over with coach Paradiso (Kevin's coach). As much as I am impressed with the tradition of Michigan, I still would like to talk face to face, and see the facilities first.
Michigan has a really good chance here, they're just a little behind on building a relationship with him. The coaches were supposed to come down to see him in the spring, and didn't make it. They did apologize for that, and Kevin told me he's excited to start building a relationship with coach Smith and Rodriguez.
That first pass was a boooooomb.
looked like 58 yards through the air.
He looks just like Devin Gardner. Bring him in
Looks like he's got a little more athletic and natural throwing motion than Gardner. Might not need as much coaching on his mechanics.
Doesn't want to rush to a decision. Nothing wrong with recruiting a qb who uses his noggin.
West Virginia and Illinois offers not too shabby.
We have Denard and Tate followed by DG; players who *want* to play at Michigan (and who can redshirt sitting behind DG) are worth considering.
I like to see players who truly want to come here. It means something more to them to be a Wolverine.
Not only that, he wants to come here knowing the current depth chart at QB. Clearly not afraid to compete for the spot.
Sousa looks considerably bigger than any of his linemen.
Kind of figured this would happen with Marquise off the board soon and Hundley probably staying west (right?). Not a bad pickup methinks, he'd have plenty of time to sit behind the current QB's and develop. Physically he's got it all.
Does remind me of Gardner too. Thanks Tom.
It certainly wouldn't suck to have a guy come in and be able to take his time learning the system instead of having to learn on the fly.
We have 2 natural QBs on the roster, Forcier and Gardner. I'm almost positive that coach Rod is going to redshirt Gardner to give him time to mature and give him that two year cushion from Forcier. Coach Rod will keep Denard around as a QB for another year so Gardner can redshirt and then he will switch him to RB/Slot. This Kevin Sousa kid can redshirt and compete with Gardner once Forcier is gone. Robinson is not going to be our starting QB.
The more I watch the more it seems he's almost more comfortable throwing on the run. Not always a bad thing. He throws it well that way.
Holy ball velocity, Batman
No doubt, a couple of those balls had almost too much zip on them for the WR's. He's definitely got the arm strength.
WOOOT i was kinda hoping we would offer this guy. The best thing about this guy is that he played football for like about 2 years. He's natural talent, when he develops in UM he'd be a force to reckon with.
After taking Tate and Denard, then Devin, I really like this guy. I hope he decides on us. He seems solid, like he wants to play at Michigan. If we land him, I'd be excited. Its appears that we're developing quite the depth chart at QB. I like his size, too. The QB position is looking good for the future.
In other news, the season is way too far away. Each day feels like an eternity. The food and drink menu for the season start is growing tired of being reworked.
He hasn't been offered.
Magnus, do you think he is worthy of an offer? Also, how important do you think it is for Michigan to get a quarterback commitment for this class? I think some people really want a QB, while others only want one if they can get an elite recruit. I am curious as to your thoughts on the quarterback situation.
Yes, I do think he's worthy of an offer. He's better than Cardale Jones, and we're not going to get a top 100 guy this year. There's too much talent/depth ahead of him.
I definitely think we need a QB this year. I'm not certain that the tandem of Forcier/Robinson will stay together at QB for the next three years, and Conelius Jones is a potential position-switcher. Taking a QB would give us some flexibility, and Sousa could have a few years to develop behind a couple other guys.
Magnus, your knowledge is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I don't know why everyone wants Cardale Jones so bad, I don't think he is a fit for our offense at all. He run's like a 5.0 forty, and just to me does not seem like a fit. I think everyone just wants him so we can break the Glennville curse
has virtually the same rating as Cardale Jones on Scout (Jones 29QB and Sousa 31QB) and he is a much better fit for our offense.
Sign him up, redshirt him, let him develop and he can compete to play as a junior or senior depending on what happens with Gardner (potential redshirt and potential heisman winner and early departure for the NFL... you never know).
I am also predicting that Sousa has a great senior year as he continues to develop and learn the intricacies of the game.
Also, our marching band will love this guy.
This kid reminds me of jared brown, former west virginia qb. he looks like a beast, also looks like a long strider. if we get him we will be lucky
He looks like he's got a lot more bulk than Brown though.
I personally think he looks more like Jarrett Brown, former West Virginia QB.
i now can see how intelligent and knowledgable about football you are
throwing motion, but I wanted to see him do some read option. That was missing in the video. I can understand his highlight film show casing his passing. I would really like to see how he handles the ball in as many scenarios as possible. One question does Sousa play anyother posistions on his HS team?
His throwing motion reminds me of Leftwich, almost like he windup's the ball
just his release seems slow
I love how on play #2, wide receiver #83 just watches his QB run for about 25 yards and never thinks about trying to throw a block. That dude would be standing next to me on the sideline for the rest of the game.
On another play just a short while after that Sousa runs around left end, and #83 displayed an absolute disinterest in making real contact with anyone on defense.
for someone who will, in all likelihood, receive a full ride scholarship to play football at Michigan, but did anyone else feel a LITTLE bit bad for the kid upon reading this:
He [Rod Smith] said that the guys that they were recruiting are no longer interested in Michigan, and they have opened it up again as far as looking for a QB.
Not exactly a subtle way of handling the situation by Coach Smith if he actually worded it that way.
That quote struck me as well. Maybe they are just laying it all on the table and being frank with the kid. Kudos to him for not getting bent out of shape from not being choice #1.
A frequent comment I see from the recruits speaking about how Michigan is different is some version of, "the coaches were frank with me and told me I'd be expected to work hard"
probably not what you typically hear from coaches who grab 95 people to fill 85 spots.
It's always dicey in that situation but sometimes honesty is the best policy. Maybe the staff simply became aware of him later in the process and they already had offers out to others. It's hard to fault the staff for being straightforward and honest even though that may appear harsh at times. Some kids and coaches can handle the truth. The alternative is to recruit them and then slow play or have them wondering and that can have bad consequences.
Good to hear that he still holds UM in high regard.
He wants us, Rod's not gonna get a better QB at this point, lock him down.
AND, on a more encouraging note, looks like he's got some promise.
just sign him, the worst that could happen is he doesnt start, michigan is not going to get a top 10 quarter back. He might as well start training under Forcier now.
Just wondering how this works. Say Cardale Jones knows UM only wants one QB and he thinks that Sousa would accept quickly. Jones has an offer. What if he accepts and beats Sousa to the punch when UM prefers Sousa. I'm sure it happens a lot but curious how teams navigate through that.
U of M would offer Sousa anyway, and if he commits, they would call up Cardale Jones and say "Uhhh...yeah, we're just not feeling you anymore."
Of course . . . that would only further the rift between Michigan and Glenville.
The Other Brian is 187% certain that Jones isn't coming to Michigan, though, so maybe we don't have to worry about that scenario playing out.
i'm no coach, but his mechanics definitely need work. on this film he rarely throws a spiral. that will translate into underthown deep balls and interceptions. hopefully, that can be easily fixed.
he doesn't appear to have real good speed either but that's not a big deal to me. with his size he should be able to shed tacklers and avoid sacks ala duante culpepper.
He's definitely a project, but he only started playing football as a 10th grader, I believe. He just now finished his junior year. But I think we can afford to take a guy like him since he should have 4, 5, maybe 6 years between now and when he might need to play.
especially give the talent already in the fold. our best play is probably to get a lower-ranked recruit with potential upside. i do like his size. could be an asset on short-yardage plays too.
He seems to me like a lower ranked Gardner, without the extra grooming. Thats just from this one tape, but he doesn't have great mechanics or speed but he can take a hit better than Tate. Let's hope he comes to Michigan if our coaches thinks he is a good fit!
He look slike he has pretty decent speed to me though, maybe not Tate speed but enough where he could run the ball if needed. HE deffinitely is a tank, he ran over half the team a couple of times, He really didnt throw too many spirals but he still had accuracy. If he can get those passes to spirals he could be an amazing QB. He has the size, speed (although not as much as Tate), and the raw skills needed. I would go after him if i was UM.
this kid could really do well for us in 3 years or so. He has all the tools, just needs to sharpen them. He seems to run alittle high when he carries the ball. Sure his throwing motion is not perfect, but this kid has nothing but upside. Great Post Tom...Like usual..thank you..
a Tank!
I like this kid. In addition to what others have said, he reminds me a lot of Newsome in how he's built. He could be a linebacker if he doesn't want to play QB, he's right now 6'2" and 213, according to Rivals, and he still looks slim at 213. If he redshirts, by the time he's in his 4th or 5th year in the system he could easily be 230 or 235lbs, very stout for a QB. I like that.
I didn't think Michigan would land a QB this yr but getting this kid would open up the options they have with Jones. You never know with a redshirt yr and with Barwis, Jones could end up pulling a Cameron Gordon.
They are adding depth and speedy athletic players and as long as they aren't forced into playing time right away it could be beneficial all the way around,
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