11/12' O-Line
Im not saying they are not being talked about, but does any one else think they are flying under the radar? I think this O-line when healthy is top 3 in the Conference. Lewan-Omameh-Molk could all be future first round picks. Schoefield is just waiting to jump on that other Tackle spot which i think he will this season. Offensive transition doesnt really scare me when it comes to Offensive lineman. As long as you have guys who are big and athletic the switch is made a lot easier. Big things from the O-line and running game this year, CANT WAIT.
August 10th, 2011 at 10:15 PM ^
Why aren't you watching the USMNT??? We're playing Mexico!!! BTW, love your optimism...
August 10th, 2011 at 10:18 PM ^
lmao, got the laptop on my lap (no pun intended) and the game on the tube. GO BLUE! And USA.
August 10th, 2011 at 10:21 PM ^
August 10th, 2011 at 10:32 PM ^
Molk's size is going to keep him out of the first maybe even second round. 3RD-4TH is where im seeing.
August 10th, 2011 at 10:38 PM ^
No love for Ricky Barnum?
August 11th, 2011 at 12:16 AM ^
Is this your way of saying we are going to wear all maize jerseys?
August 10th, 2011 at 11:17 PM ^
on both sides of the ball with the lines. All the guys starting now look to be poised to make a difference, and there is a ton of talent coming in. This O-Line is ready to smash some people. I know some people think Borges will pass all day, but I think we're running G-Power until they stop it. I like our chances with two tights and maybe sprinkle in some deadly play action waggle to counter.
I especially like how our offensive line will look in three years. Hell, our linebackers will be intimidating in three years. It's hard to curb enthusiasm when the recruiting has been so good this year.
August 10th, 2011 at 11:53 PM ^
I know that Borges has been talking about how they will keep some plays that worked for Denard last season (QB Iso / QB Oh Nos / etc), but I am wondering if the offense will be able to integrate what we did last year with what the new staff likes to do.
I was thinking along the lines of QB power plays similar to what Florida did with Tebow. I know Denard is the most deadly in open space and we don't want him banged up. But at the same time, I can't help but think that a power run with Denard's vision would equal 5 yards per play minimum.
Bottom line is I am very excited to see what we look like this season.
August 11th, 2011 at 12:09 AM ^
Here's a good quote by Erik Magnuson that TomVH just posted on twitter:
"We're going to build the best O-line in the country w/ the best OL coach in the country. It's about time he's recognized."
August 11th, 2011 at 12:14 AM ^
You're right about Taylor Lewan. He definitely has first round potential and honestly after next year I would worry about him leaving early.
Molk probably projects to the 4th round at best, but most likely the late 5th or 6th round is where he will go.
I'm not that sure about Omameh but the 5th-7th round would probably be a good guess as to where he would get drafted after his senior year.
August 11th, 2011 at 12:56 AM ^
molk is one of the best C prospects and is a lot like jeff saturday in the mental aspect and btw nick mangold and maurkice pouncey arent that much bigger, 2 inches 10 lbs, he will bulk up in the nfl. i wouldnt mind the colts drafting him in the 3rd and having him learn behind jeff. lewan has jake long potential just needed more weight which he has now. as for omameh this year and next years development will tell if he is a nfl prospect or not, i think he is very good in college but will need to learn better technique in the nfl
August 11th, 2011 at 2:48 AM ^
eh maybe you should slow down on saying Taylor Lewan has Jake Long potential - Jake Long has been mentioned numerous times as being among the best few NFL offensive lineman. Taylor Lewan, while an elite prospect, is not on the level of Jake Long, an elite offensive tackle in the NFL
That said, I love Lewan and what he's done thus far, but until I see something remarkable... a Jake Long comparison is out of the question
August 11th, 2011 at 11:06 AM ^
Jake Long may very well be the best player to ever play at Michigan. Granted his position didn't allow him to get the accolades of lets say a QB or receiver, but he was that good. Lewan has the chance to be great as well, but I wouldn't just too quickly on the "next Jake Long" boat.
August 11th, 2011 at 1:13 AM ^
How can they be expected to run the power play if they are shorter than the DT's knees? They have to be AT LEAST 3 times bigger than that!
August 11th, 2011 at 3:26 AM ^
o-line but its unlikey that both Omameh and Molk go in the 1st round. Centers and guards usually don't go in the 1st round. However, I do believe Lewan has a great chance of being a 1st round draft pick. Both our d-line and o-line have great futures.
August 11th, 2011 at 10:31 AM ^
Last year, Michigan had the second best offensive line in the country according to a stat called adjusted line yards. It's created by downweighting yards that go past 4 yards, not even counting rush yards that go past 10 yards, and overweighting tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Wisconsin was 6th and OSU was 8th. Iowa was 59th. Now, you could argue that Denard+style of play helped on that score, irrespective of the weighting. But, I'd still argue that Michigan's line was no worse than 3rd in the Big Ten last year and should be so again this year. I do wish Barnum was over 300 lbs.
Nebraska and Michigan State on the other hand are going to struggle.
August 11th, 2011 at 11:03 AM ^
and I am excited about how effective this group can be. They were the most consistent position group on the football team last year....unless you want to consider how consistently terrible the field goal/extra point kicking was. With the systems changes going into place, I feel like the O-line should be the most solid group. Hopefully they will provide stability at the beginning of the season, laying a solid foundation while the rest of the team continues to adjust and improve in the new systems. As far as being under the radar, that can be a good thing for offensive linemen. Unless you are an exceptional speciman like Jake Long, it is usually a good thing when you are not being talked about - especially during a telecast!
August 11th, 2011 at 11:06 AM ^
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