Opposite Problem of 2008 Recruiting?
At this point we have only 14 recruits, of which 11 on the defensive side of the ball along with a kicker (much needed by the way). We have only 1 RB and 1 OL.
One of the big complaints with RR was that he went after offensive guys while neglecting the defense in his first year of recruiting. I know we are pretty well set for at least a year or two on the offensive side of the ball, but it's worrying to me that we have very little talent coming in in this class. We've seen what wasting classes on the defensive personnel has done the past few years, be it neglect or busts and now I feel like Hoke is at risk of doing the same.
Anyway, hopefully we retain Fisher and add Rawls along with a WR and/or QB, but right now I'm concerned.
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:17 PM ^
One was a kicker, and another was projected more at TE, no?
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:35 PM ^
It sounds like he was recruited for defense. Key passage:
"They haven't really gone into detail about it, but I have only been talking to the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach," Heitzman said. "They have only been talking to me about defense, so I'm assuming that's where they are thinking about playing me. I feel like I should play whatever benefits the team the most, but if I did have to decide I would probably pick defense."
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:56 PM ^
as i was the only one who has been saying this.... the old school folk know that heitzman is to be a LB, and not a DE or TE.
January 23rd, 2011 at 10:03 PM ^
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:17 PM ^
I understand you're point but I don't think it is. Like you said we have a lot of talent on the offense side of things. We do have needs there but still it's not the same. If Hoke does the same thing next year then I would be a little worried.
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:24 PM ^
but I don't understand your point
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:38 PM ^
I do understand where you are coming from. My honest opinion is that we are stacked for a year or so with the O players we have, except for needs at QB OL and at TE. The D is where we are very thin. With Hoke a D minded coach, I strongly believe he forsees the problems in depth on the entire D and is doing what he needs to do to fill those voids first. Our O should score points next year, there is no doubt in my mind, however, our D is the question mark. If we can't shore up our voids and needs on D, Hoke will be in the same situation as RR.
January 24th, 2011 at 9:08 AM ^
As long as we get a decent-to-solid offensive line class every year, I think the offense will be fine. Remember, we've got Gardner coming in as a Redshirt freshman, and the following underclassmen on offense: Lewan, Omameh, Toussant, Hopkins, and something like 5 receivers.
We should have enough to survive one defensive-oriented class. I agree that this kind of thing isn't ideal though.
January 24th, 2011 at 11:14 AM ^
I don't recall hearing that Devin had been granted his medical RS yet.
January 24th, 2011 at 11:50 AM ^
I could be wrong but I thought that was in the bag.
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:18 PM ^
Perhaps Hoke is simply making up for RR over recruiting offense and will recruit more evenly starting next year.
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:36 PM ^
given his January 11th hire.
And clearly, the defense is awful and needs some infusions. A low 3* has a better chance of seeing the field on defense than on offense. So I wouldn't read too much into what has to be a scattershot effort (through no fault of Hoke).
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:39 PM ^
Exactly, couldn't have stated it better myself.
January 24th, 2011 at 12:45 AM ^
The fact that Hoke is bringing in any kind of talent that wasn't already being pursued by Michigan is encouraging. That most of them are solid B1G prospects is even better.
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:18 PM ^
it seems like defense was obviously our area of need, and we're getting a whole lot of help because that's where we need it. Our offense is pretty set, and should still be successful, hopefully adding some depth at RB and OL. I don't think that Hoke could have recruited too many defensive players in this class.. we desperately need it.
That being said, it sure would be nice to pick up a QB in this class, even though it's not looking good.
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:18 PM ^
Defense wins championships.
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:44 PM ^
I couldn't agree more.
January 23rd, 2011 at 10:03 PM ^
i also agree, defense wins championships; however, you have to scores points to win - otherwise the best you can hope for is the longest game in history that ends in a 0-0 tie after everyone goes home.
Denard cant be the quarterback forever.... he will eventually graduate.... unless he uses his dilithium power to turn back time like superman did.
January 23rd, 2011 at 10:12 PM ^
Defense wins championships. We can have a more balanced recruiting class next year. Our present O will be around for a bit so recruiting on D is fine with me... For now
January 23rd, 2011 at 11:21 PM ^
"Winning Championships Wins Championships" -Me
January 23rd, 2011 at 11:52 PM ^
We can't have too many DL in this class, or DBs. Not at this level of football. MOAR CORNERZ!!
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:21 PM ^
me too next years class needs to have 4-5 4* or higher offensive recruits damn dee hart would have been great
January 24th, 2011 at 12:02 AM ^
"C'MON MAN.... man"
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:27 PM ^
If half the offense doesn't transfer, we'll be okay, assuming a QB in this class.
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:28 PM ^
January 23rd, 2011 at 10:06 PM ^
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:30 PM ^
I'll certainly take all the defensive recruits. We can use the extra bodies and competition.
January 24th, 2011 at 9:12 AM ^
We're really going to benefit from all these bodies that will be working out for new coaches. All those 'deathbacker/hybrid/whatever it ended up being called' types will be trying out at safety and linebacker for a brand new set of coaches. There's a lot of dudes with a lot to prove.
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:31 PM ^
I trust the coaches to know what they need and who they are recruiting.
January 23rd, 2011 at 10:27 PM ^
I've been saying the same thing for the last three years (actually a whole lot longer, but three years seems about right), and I'm going to continue saying it. Why?
What else am I going to say that will make a difference?
I figure that's why they do what they do and why I do what I do.
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:31 PM ^
All the skill positions wr is the easiest ti make an impact as a frosh/soph imo. So not taking a wr in this class wouldnt bother me that much
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:31 PM ^
Our defense sucks. Hoke is doing the right thing.
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:41 PM ^
the fans
January 24th, 2011 at 12:59 AM ^
perfectly said. Everyone needs to just sit back, relax, and watch the Hoke do his work. The fans are the fans for a reason. Brady Hoke is the coach for a reason.
Fans watch. Coaches coach. They know what they need and they will do whatever it takes to succeed. They aren't not doing their homework and doing something that they think will hurt them in the future...
Just trust.
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:31 PM ^
The offense for the most part, especially at most of the improtant positions, are young. Molk, Stonum, Jr. will all be graduating, but hopefully Pace, Stokes, etc. will be more than able to step in.
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:38 PM ^
Not so concerned about getting more defensive recruits this year so long as we fill the offensive areas of need next year.
I'm more concerned that we get the right guys and keep them--and keep the APR from biting us.
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:40 PM ^
We will still take a QB (hopefully) in this class and a TE. But if we need a D heavy recruiting class to fix that thing I watched all year I'm ok with it. Hopefully it just doesnt become a trend.
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:43 PM ^
Is certainly out of left field. I guess someone had to be the first guy to complain about recruiting too many defensive players.
I have to think with Hoke and Mattison there will be an emphasis on defense in a big way for this year and next.
I'd say the next priority will be offensive line.
Trenches, baby. Trenches.
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:57 PM ^
about recruiting too many defensive players.
I'm very happy about that.
I am concerned about having a large gap of offensive talent in two or three years time.
It reminds me of either LC's 2005 or 06 class where ESPN ominously asked "But where are the defensive backs?".
Maybe you should try and broaden your viewpoint.
January 23rd, 2011 at 10:11 PM ^
Just as soon as we can consistently stop the opposition on 3rd and long.
January 23rd, 2011 at 10:47 PM ^
Yeah, so let's just recruit ALL defense. Sound logic.
January 24th, 2011 at 6:12 PM ^
I don't recall stating we need to recruit nothing but defense.
January 23rd, 2011 at 11:02 PM ^
We will be able to stop people on 3rd and long but will lose games because we can't score any points.
YIPPIE!
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:51 PM ^
That is so cute it's almost sickening.
January 23rd, 2011 at 10:08 PM ^
I just threw up rainbow colored cotton candy.
January 24th, 2011 at 1:00 AM ^
that is the best clip!!!
January 23rd, 2011 at 9:54 PM ^
hopefully we don't suffer the same fate with QBs and WR/RBs in the next class like we did in 2009 with DT/DEs.