[Corn Breaking Out / Barron]

 

Not Necessarily the Unverified Voracity.

Sniglets.

 

Depth smiles at us all; all a fan can do is smile back. Clearly inspired by my attempt in the last not-UV to clarify the Michigan depth chart, Rivals has rolled out their looks at the two-deeps. Clearly. Starting on offense.  

 

The OL remains interesting: Ryan Hayes, Trevor Keegan, Andrew Vastardis, Zak Zinter, Andrew Stueber

I'm super conflicted about the line. Vastardis is the source of some bad memories, Center may be Zinter's best possible option. But is a servicable Vastardis and a very good Zinter, better than a great Zinter and a largely unproven Nolan Rumler. Keegan over Chuck Filiaga is great if the young man with potential overtook the older starter and is fulfilling his potential. It's less desirable if it's more along the lines of Filiaga just never panned out. Stueber, I think, would probably be best on the inside, but everyone seems to say he can play anywhere. Then Hayes at LT has been basically a thing since spring. 

I guess there's two ways to look at the line: 1) they've got a ton of experience but very little of it is good. They're average at best with too many out of place parts filling other holes, it's going to be another long season. Or 2) all playing time is good playing time when it comes to line development. A change in coaching, combined with a new "best man plays" philosophy, sees this line earning its blue collar reputation and out-performing expectations. Real probably exists somewhere in-between.

Defense.  

Notable bits. Nikhail Hill-Green over Michael Barrett at Inside Linebacker.

Barrett slid over from the now defunct viper (hybrid safety/linebacker) position and hasn’t been as productive. Hill-Green has moved past him on the depth chart and earned praise from Harbaugh as ‘everything you look for in a linebacker.’ He could be a great one.

Junior Colson is looking like a nice backup to Josh Ross at Weakside (Will) Linebacker

True freshman Colson has impressed since arriving on campus as an early enrollee, and he is as athletic as advertised. He’s going to be a ‘beast’ per Hutchinson. But Ross is playing his best football, having lost weight and returning in good shape. Colson has been banged up and missed time, but Mullings has stepped up in a big way after a spotty spring.

DJ Turner over Vincent Gray (for now).

Gray struggled in coverage as the No. 1 corner last year but will likely be playing much more in zone coverage this season; still, Turner appears to have moved past him on the depth chart after great spring and summer sessions.

And Daxton Hill is still being mentioned as a safety, nickel and corner. I think the ability for Dax Hill to be unlocked as a versatile defensive backfield ball hawking chaos lord is likely predicated on a couple different things. How well are the corners holding up?  If Dax is outside on a corner for any consistent amount of time, then whoo daddy, we're in for some trouble. If he's switching in and out, helping disguise coverage, picking up and then not. Then he's likely able to do the most damage and we get the Dax Hill we all dreamed of two years ago. That also relies on Makari Paige continuing to progress at FS, which will allow for Hill to have more freedom in the defensive backfield. Ultimately, how much Hill we get isn't really about Hill as much as it's about everyone else. 

 

Keeping it consistent. Much-ballyhooed rarely-ballyproduced DL Donovan Jeter doesn't want your hype. He does have thoughts on why it hasn't come together for him yet.

“I personally think it’s my technique — I’ve been a little bit inconsistent,” Jeter said. “There’s plays where my technique’s been good, my technique’s good, I handle my business. And then there’s plays where my technique isn’t where it should be and I become a very average defensive lineman. Just — the biggest emphasis for me, and I think the whole D-line this year, this offseason is technique, consistently doing it. That’s what separates the elite from good linemen. Everybody can go in there and have one good play, have one bad play. Just keep consistent. I think if we’re all consistent, like myself, the entire D-line is consistent then I think we’ll be real good up front.”

Technique. Effort. Fitness. I don't know. He couldn't stay on the field and most of the time he was pretty ineffective when he was there. He showed some positive signs late, but the whole thing was falling apart by then. So, if awareness is the first step, then I'm on board for the Jeter rejuve-train.

 

God knows, I want to break free. TMI likes Corn Johnson as Michigan's biggest breakout player this year.

On the field, Johnson has already begun to show big-game potential, posting an 82-yard game against Indiana and a 105-yard game against Rutgers. Many of his 16 catches came with him preposterously open, and his speed and shiftiness at his size will make him a tough matchup once he finds more consistency in his game. Two games without a single catch last fall suggest consistency is a concern, and he will have to learn to catch in traffic now that opposing defenses are circling him on the scouting report, but we expect Johnson to emerge as Michigan’s latest standout outside threat at receiver.

So, as a breakout player this implies you haven't made a meaningful impact already. If the WRs are doing well, that generally means the QB is doing well. And if the QB is doing well then this offense is likely working. So, sure, give me Cornelius Johnson as breakout player of the year because that means ideally there's a lot of other things going right. Blake Corum and Zinter are also Tier 1 breakers for TMI. 

 

Old Players are New Coaches. Ron Bellamy and Mike Hart are now assistant coaches at the University. They used to be players. Then we all got old. 

Bellamy coaches in the defensive backfield but had some positive things to say about the WR group.

"They give you some problems," Bellamy said in a Thursday press conference outside of Schembechler Hall. "There’s a plethora of options, especially with [redshirt junior Daylen] Baldwin coming in [from Jackson State]. You’ve got a bigger guy in CJ [sophomore Cornelius Johnson] and Ronnie [Bell], Ronnie is the crafty vet I call him. I tell Ronnie, he’s the new Ronnie B.

"You’ve got guys like [second-year freshmen Roman [Wilson] and A.J. [Henning] that’s going to take the top off the route. They put the fear of speed and big plays. They’ve been having a heck of a fall camp and I’m excited to see those guys go as well."

The effusive compliments about this WR corps continue to pile on. I'll take a little more weight to these compliments seeing as how they come from a former WR in Bellamy himself. 

Mike Hart on the other hand, spent much of the middle part of the week talking about his own position group and how he approaches back rotation and depth. I like the idea of having a running back coach who has played the position and knows the feeling of being in a rotation, having a hot hand, and then trying to distribute carries accordingly. I think players have a tendency to hear that kind of messaging better from a former player.

“Play them how I see fit at the end of the day,” Hart said. “You have to let a guy get a little comfortable in the game. I think there’s always two first or second down backs, there’s a third down back, there’s a short-yardage back — it can be the same guy, right? If a guy is better at something — if Blake is better on third down than Hassan, then it would be smart to play Blake, right? If it’s third down, if it’s third and long. If Hassan [Haskins]’s a better short-yardage runner on third-and-1, then put Hassan in the game. I think that whoever earns those jobs, whoever is better at them, then that’s who’s gonna be in the game in those situations, from that standpoint.”

“At my previous job, there was a guy who didn’t play on third down at all in his first two years and then last year, he played every third down because he got better at it,” Hart said. “It really just depends on where they are in their career. Do they know pass pro? Can they pick up blitzes? Can they do those things in certain situations? Are they better at third-and-1? There might be a guy who never plays but who goes in at third-and-1 that’s gonna be our running back. And everyone knows we’re running. That’s one of those things, whoever earns those jobs, that’s who’s gonna be in those situations — when it’s clear as day. Obviously, you can’t just say, ‘Oh, he’s in the game,’ and it’s gonna be a pass, right? If it’s third-and-12, (put in) the third-and-12 back?”

There was also a whole thing about the comments Hart made about the comments Harbaugh made about the program 10-15 years ago. That kind of silly drama may blow your skirt up. If it does, chances are you're a local beat reporter and/or you're bored and just want to talk about old shit.

 

What you are witnessing is real. One more coach-y type note from this week is on old player turned new Recruiting Coordinator Courtney Morgan.

“Court is a win for Michigan,” Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Adrian Klemm told The Michigan Insider. “You can already see his impact before he's even set foot in Ann Arbor. I'm originally from LA and it was something else to hear everyone back home tweeting, texting and calling about Michigan and Court (Tuesday) night! There's an incredible buzz and it's carried over into (Wednesday). He's so connected and highly regarded by many of us, not just in the football community, but in the community as a whole. He's passionate about football and a proud Michigan alum, but what is most impressive is his passion for helping young people and developing young men. His respect for the game fortified with his strong work ethic will be a huge asset to the Wolverines! I know he was for us during my time at UCLA. He led the charge in identifying talent nationwide and his deep roots out West, strong ties in the East, and connects in the Midwest got us in schools that we traditionally had struggled to get footing in. I'm so excited for him and I can't wait to follow the team this year. He's definitely going to make an immediate impact and do an incredible job!”

Michigan’s 2022 cycle still appears to be off to a strong start with five-star in-state cornerback Will Johnson committed early on along with four-star defender Kody Jones, four-star receiver Tyler Morris and three-star tight end Marlin Klein among others. A strong June netted them commitments from four-star quarterback Jayden Denegal, offensive lineman Alessandro Lorenzetti and edge Kevonte Henry.

It's one thing to get the Inside the Sub chat from the same people about how great the new people are in the program. It's another to hear it from outside sources as well. Doug Llewelyn may not be here to guide us through, but Courtney Morgan certainly appears to be the People's Court. 

 

Other quick notes: Per Lorenz ($) Junior Colson is injured. It may slow his early season chances, but if anyone was going to breakthrough, it may be Nikhai Hill-Green.

McShay rolled out his preseason 2022 Draft Top 50. Hutch checks in at #40

Three guys at Athlon all pick 7-5 for Michigan. Sometimes it's interesting to see what the National Guys say. Sometimes it's not. I wonder what Phil Steele is doing right now. Maybe I'll wait for Street and/or Smith to check in for the final word.

 

None of this shows up in my TikTok algorithm. Warde Manuel chatted with Jon Janson on a weirdly titled Pod about two things that interest me very little NIL and Conferences.You may be much more interested in the topic than I am. So, I share. But my official opinion is... zzzzz.

"Early on, I welcomed name, image and likeness, but I also said there would be a balance that would be necessary," Manuel said. "We're doing more education as they come back (to campus) in our meetings with our student-athletes to make sure they understand our policy (and) understand the law that will be enacted and go in effect at the end of next year in the state of Michigan."

There are obviously people within the university who have a 'from my dead hands' opinion on lending trademark and logo usage to players. They're not wrong, there's plenty of value in the brand. That value could help reel in top level athletes. Or it's a really pretty yellow letter M that could have no value some day.

Also, Manuel has been pleased with Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren's efforts to interact with the leadership at the Pac-12 and the ACC after Oklahoma and Texas announced their moves to the SEC. The conversation will continue to evolve, but Manuel likes the potential of what a more like-minded approach could mean for the leagues and its members.

"We have a lot in common with the Pac-12 schools and the ACC schools," Manuel said. "Given some of the movement that occurred, I think this is the right decision to be made to have that conversation amongst the three of us and to really form this alliance that sort of thinks about things on a more consistent basis.

TV money goes in the TV money to get the TV money for the TV money. Check.

 

In case you weren't feeling old today. Lloyd Carr's grandson CJ is a 2024 Top 100 recruit (#2 MI, #10 QB OVR) per 247Sports and on Michigan's radar.

“Watching film with Coach Weiss stood out to me a lot,” Carr told TMI on what stood out the most about the visit. “He taught me a lot about coverages in that short period of time we had together. I really appreciated how he really wanted to teach me something new and get me better.

“I think (our relationship) has grown a lot during these visits. Every time I visit, my relationship with all of the coaches grows!”

I like the accolades for Weiss more than I care to think about the fact that it's been almost 15 years since Lloyd Carr was head football coach at Michigan.

 

Tweets because I can!

 

https://twitter.com/UMichFootball/status/1428054088982450176

Mazi would like to you two tickets to the gun show and see if you like the goods. Also, Daylen Baldwin looks nice in a Michigan uni.

 

https://twitter.com/UMichFootball/status/1428495455864897537

Practice in the Big House.

 

https://twitter.com/1CMatthews/status/1428076095870439426

I think the big line is good.

 

https://twitter.com/CoachVrabel50/status/1428125628121890820

 

 

Everybody look at me, 'cause I'm sailing on a boat. Phil Martelli was on a boat. If you didn't catch Tuesday's Defend the Block podcast with Phil Martelli, the Wolverine did a nice little breakdown for you.  

Here's the highlights.

Caleb Houstan:

"Caleb Houstan coming back from his international experience [with team Canada] and then getting on the court. There was something each week that added to the growth of our team.”

“He has one of those jump shots that you look at in the instructional videos. It’s beautiful,” Martelli said. “I will say this — I was away for a couple days on family business and when I came back, I had forgotten how big he was."

Moussa Diabate:

“He’s one of those kids defensively who sees the game from that side, and no young players do that,” Martelli continued. “They’re all about scoring and that kind of thing. Now, we’re going to have to rein him in, but I would rather have his enthusiasm, the contagious enthusiasm … his teammates are going to love him, the fans are going to love him, and he’s different because he can and will affect shots at the rim."

Isaiah Barnes:

“… What I’ve seen grow with him is his pace. There’s a college pace to practicing, to working out. Isaiah didn’t have that on day one. He has that after six weeks in the gym.”

Kobe Bufkin:

“I’m just amazed at how smooth and how calm he approaches the game,” Martelli praised. “The big thing we’re going to work through with him is, is he a combo guard or is he a two guard? Does he get some time running offense or are we going to be concentrating on that beautiful, beautiful stroke? His game off the bounce is elite. Eli’s game off the cut is elite. Kobe has this pace … sometimes you get goofy about this, but you think it’s a left-handed thing — he has that lefty swagger. "

Will Tschetter:

“The ranking now is meaningless. They’re in college, and they now have to prove their game,” Martelli said. “Will never ran from his ranking, nor did we run from his ranking or did he feel he has to justify the opportunity at Michigan. The dude just lights you up when you walk in the gym. He’s just so excited and he’s so versatile.

There's a bunch more. Check out the article, or head over to MGoBlue and listen to the pod.

 

Wrapping Up the 2022 Recruiting Class. Michigan is looking now at how the 22 class is going to wrap up.

Earlier this month, Michigan picked up its second commitment for the 2022 class in center Tarris Reed Jr. (ranked No. 69 in the class). The Wolverines also hold a pledge from point guard Dug McDaniel (No. 59).

In other words, expect at least two additional openings.

One figures to be taken by small forward Jett Howard. The 6-foot-7 Howard plays for IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida,

Dereck Lively II, Yohan Traore,  Ernest Udeh Jr, appear to be three of the main options to fill that last spot. You should read more about that in Matt EM's post.

 

Obligatory Hockey Content. It's not a fake UV without some kind of Hockey not. This one can be filed under things we thought but are now more confirmy.

Moar Power.

According to a report from the Buffalo News, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft will return to Ann Arbor next season instead of making the immediate jump to the pros. This has not been done by the top pick since 2006 when Erik Johnson stayed one more year at Minnesota.

Hopefully this starts a domino effect that has peak Chris Chelios, Jimmy Carson and the ghost of tiny Mats Sundin all coming back to play for the Wolverines. (I don't claim to be good at hockey stuff. Also, I'm pretty certain Mats Sundin is still alive. Apologies if I offended his family who are certainly googling him and finding this fake UV right now.)

 

Etc.

The search for Tom Brady's mysterious MF continues. It's not Ryan Tannehill.

Denard is UM Football Goat?  I was always a Steve Breast-man. 

Not that you needed a reminder, but Mo Hurst is a good dude. He's also a good dude for probably a 1000 other reasons.

 

 

Unrelated Straw Poll. One last question if you made it to the end. Should I post this on the board? Or does Diaries make more sense?  If I write them, I guess it makes some sense for them to be seen. I'm not sure how many people even know to look at the Diary. That said, a board post can be pushed away in a few hours on a busy day. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Concerns?  Oh and don't forget to subscribe and SMASH that bell!