TomVH: Ray Ball Update
Ray Ball is an offensive tackle out of Westerville, Ohio. Ray was in Ann Arbor this weekend for camp, but didn't work out. He just wanted to come up, and get a chance to meet the players and coaches, to get a feel for everything. He told me today that he got that and a lot more. Here's a look at his highlight video, and then our conversation:
TOM: How was the trip up to Michigan?
RAY: It was awesome, I really enjoyed myself. I got to look around at the whole campus, and we got to watch some of the camp, and all the players work out. We got a chance to talk with the coaches, which was great. Those coaches are awesome, and really cool to be around; I really liked them. I also got to meet three of the players on the team that will be freshmen this year. I know next time I come up there, we're going to hang out some more, they were really welcoming and nice.
TOM: When will you be coming back for your next visit?
RAY: I'm not sure exactly, but since this one was so fun, it will probably be very soon.
TOM: Ok, so it sounds like this visit might have pushed Michigan further up on your list then?
RAY: Yes, sir. I know the top schools I have on my list are Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, and UCLA, but this definitely puts Michigan in a better spot than before.
TOM: Do you know when you're making your final decision yet?
RAY: Either at the beginning of the season, or in the middle. I'm not positive yet.
To hear!! Once these kids get on campus they always come away very impressed with our staff!
So the Ball is in Ray's court...
Boooooo
I didn't come away very impressed with his film as I have with guys like Pace and Yruretagoyena
But he is gigantic.
He is a big road-grader type of guy but has lots to work on. Particualrily staying low(his first movement is stright up and even blocks standing up straight), improving his foot speed, and becoming a more athletic offensive lineman. But, you cannot teach his size and apparent strength. Big guys get away with bad technique in high school, when he gets into college that will change.
but he needs to work on his technique a little.
Looks like a great candidate for a RS and some work on fundamentals.
You can't teach 6'7"
You have to like our odds in that top group. Academically, better than everyone except UCLA, where it's a draw. Best football of any of those schools (maybe Wisco with a little more recent success, but none of the others). Closest to home of the group. I have to imagine we have about as favorable a depth chart, since we didn't bring in a single OT last year, and only 2 the year before.
I hope this kid ends up at Michigan. I think this kid is just a big athlete that RR will develop into a huge, OT.
I sure wouldn't mind having two athletic 6'7" big men holding down the tackle spots for a few years if we could get both of them.
If those are the 2 OT's we get, I'd be happy with that. We then get two or three of Zettel, Andre Y, Jack Miller and Tony Posada at OG and we have a very solid OL class.
...sounds ideal. Might as well shoot for the moon.
I wouldn't exactly say it's shooting for the moon - 3 of those guys are mid 3 stars and one isn't rated at all. And since they all have us pretty high (if not at the top), getting 4 of the 6 of them isn't too crazy.
Tom,Thanks for the great interview (as always). I think this would be a good pick-up. I don't think Andre Y is going to be wearing the Maize and Blue based on his comments he has made about USC. We are definitely not his leader and the USC staff must be doing a marvelous job of spinning the recent sanctions.
is that they have to be able to bend well. This kid seems to do fine, but you can't just say that all 6'7" lineman are better than 6'3" ones. In fact, the lower center of gravity and easier bending gives shorter lineman a stronger base to work from. Jake Long was a perfect example of a huge lineman that could bend and move like a smaller guy. Here's to hoping that we land a few decent big uglies this year.
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