Post-Spring Practice '12-'13 Depth Chart
I'm currently looking at the 1st page topics on the MGoBoard and I see exactly ONE thread related to the current players on the Michigan football team that is discussing actual football (Rico Miller Twitter thread)...I'll even give you the Jeremy Clark to WR thread even though he's not on campus. Meanwhile there are current 3 threads solely about the MMB not going to Dallas. No offense to the band, but I come here to discuss football. With that said:
QB
1. Denard Robinson (Sr.)
2. Devin Gardner (RS So.)
3. Russell Bellomy (RS Fr.)
RB
1. Fitzgerald Toussaint (RS Jr.)
2a. Vincent Smith (Sr.)
2b. Thomas Rawls (So.)
4. Justice Hayes (RS Fr.)
5. Dennis Norfleet (Fr.)
rs: Drake Johnson (Fr.)
FB
1. Stephen Hopkins (Jr.)
2. Joey Kerridge (RS Fr.)
3. Paul Gyarmati (RS Sr.)
rs: Sione Houma (Fr.)
WR1
1. Roy Roundtree (RS Sr.)
2. Jeremy Jackson (Jr.)
3a. Ricardo Miller (RS So.)
3b. Devin Gardner (RS So.)
WR2
1. Jeremy Gallon (RS Jr.)
2. Jerald Robinson (RS So.)
3a. Amara Darboh (Fr.)
3b. Jehu Chesson (Fr.)
Slot
1. Drew Dileo (Jr.)
TE
1. Brandon Moore (RS Sr.)
2a. Devin Funchess (Fr.)
2b. A.J. Williams (Fr.)
4a. Mike Kwiatowski (RS Sr.)
4b. Jordan Paskorz (RS So.)
LT
1. Taylor Lewan (RS Jr.)
2. Michael Schofield (RS Jr.)
3. Graham Glasgow (RS Fr.)
rs: Erik Magnuson (Fr.)
LG
1a. Elliott Mealer (RS Sr.)
1b. Kyle Kalis (Fr.)
3. Joey Burzynski (RS So.)
rs: Blake Bars (Fr.)
C
1. Ricky Barnum (RS Sr.)
2. Jack Miller (RS Fr.)
RG
1. Patrick Omameh (RS Sr.)
2a. Elliott Mealer (RS Sr.)
2b. Chris Bryant (RS Fr.)
4. Kyle Kalis (Fr.)
rs: Blake Bars (Fr.)
RT
1. Michael Schofield (RS Jr.)
2. Elliott Mealer (RS Sr.)/Patrick Omameh (RS Sr.)
3. Erik Gunderson (RS Jr.)
rs: Ben Braden (Fr.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WDE
1a. Frank Clark (So.)
1b. Brennen Beyer (So.)
3. Craig Roh (Sr.)
4. Jake Ryan (RS So.)
rs: Mario Ojemudia (Fr.)
NG
1. Will Campbell (Sr.)
2. Richard Ash (RS So.)
3. Ondre Pipkins (Fr.)
DT
1. Jibreel Black (Jr.)
2. Quinton Washington (RS Jr.)
3. Ondre Pipkins (Fr.)
4. Kenny Wilkins (RS So.)
rs: Matt Godin (Fr.)
rs: Willie Henry (Fr.)
SDE
1. Craig Roh (Sr.)
2a. Jibreel Black (Jr.)
2b. Nathan Brink (RS Jr.)
4. Keith Heitzman (RS Fr.)
5. Chris Rock (RS Fr.)
rs: Chris Wormley (Fr.)
rs: Tom Strobel (Fr.)
WLB
1. Desmond Morgan (So.)
2. Brandin Hawthorne (Sr.)
3a. Antonio Poole (RS Fr.)
3b. James Ross (Fr.)
MLB
1. Kenny Demens (RS Sr.)
2. Joe Bolden (Fr.)
3. Mike Jones (RS Jr.)
rs: Kaleb Ringer (Fr.)
SLB
1. Jake Ryan (RS So.)
2. Cam Gordon (RS Jr.)
rs: Royce Jenkins-Stone (Fr.)
WCB
1. Blake Countess (So.)
2. Terrence Talbott (Jr.)
3. Delonte Hollowell (So.)
rs: Terry Richardson (Fr.)
SCB
1. JT Floyd (RS Sr.)
2. Courtney Avery (Jr.)
3. Raymon Taylor (So.)
FS
1. Thomas Gordon (RS Jr.)
2. Jarrod Wilson (Fr.)
3. Tamani Carter (RS Fr.)
rs: Jeremy Clark (Fr.)
SS
1. Jordan Kovacs (RS Sr.)
2. Marvin Robinson (Jr.)
3. Josh Furman (RS So.)
rs: Allen Gant (Fr.)
FB & Slot- Notice these positions are in italics. I realize you can't have 12 players on the field at once. This is my way of recognizing that. (Personally, I believe Shotgun, 3 WR, 2 RB will be our primary set along with the Pro Set formation).
Also, Mealer and Omameh have worked a little bit at RT.
I have a nit to pick though. Why is Pipkins above Wilkins? I mean, I could understand listing all the Fr. at the bottom of their respective positions for now, but somehow you seem to know that Pipkins is better than Wilkins but not better than Q. Wash.
Why am I bringing this up? Ennui. The season needs to start.
I honestly have no hard data...I just think Pipkins will play a role on THIS year's team. I think he's that talented.
I think he's more talented than Wilkins who, hate to say it, hasn't done a THING while at Michigan.
I am not on the "Pipkins will start from day 1" bus like some of our posters. I think having 6 eyes on him is going to make it tough to impress. Also, our coaches will always play the upperclassman if the talent/skill is the same.
Personally, I see Pipkins filling in Will Campbell's role of '11-'12.
Just once, even if it is only for a possession, I would love to see Roundtree and Gardner at WR. Denard in the slot and Bellomy at QB. You would have speed at receiver with tremendous YAC potential, three guys on the field who could throw the ball, which opens up all kinds of options that would need to be defended and still have the threat of the RB or QB running the ball. If Denard isn't going to be playing QB on Sundays next year, it wouldn't hurt to give him a few touches now.
No one else thinks Rawls will be the backup?
Completely agree. Only way I see Vincent Smith getting more touches than him is if he's consistently the 3rd down back. But based on his development, I bet Fitz doesn't need to be spelled for that and Rawls gets the majority of carries to spell Fitz, plus short yardage situations.
I think Vincent Smith will remain the 3rd down back due to his blocking ability, but agree that Rawls will be the main backup for Toussaint.
It's hard to make a depth chart for the RBs.
Because I think they all have roles, so in a way, they're ALL the #2 back up --- it just depends on what the situation is and what formations we're going with.
For example:
Smith - I think Smith is your 3rd down back, I also think he'll continue to see time in the screen game. Lastly, I think he'll be used in a 1-back situation/formation, especially out of shotgun...meaning if we're down or trying to score quick, Shotgun 4WR/1RB, I think Smith factors in that situation.
Rawls - I think he'll be as close to your traditional #2 as you can get...HOWEVER. Because everyone has such specific roles, I really don't think we need a #2 unless it is the end of the game or an injury *knock on wood*. So being the "natural" #3 this year I think amount to about 3 carries per game...HOWEVER, I think Rawls certainly has a role as the shot yardage back. The position seems like it's his. So I think you can add about 5 more carries in that situation. I look for Rawls to carry the ball 8-10 times per game. Primarily as the short yardage back.
Hayes - Hayes only sees time in blowouts IMO, however, I do think he'll have a role as a pass catching RB. He also showed some ability to run between the tackles this spring. I just don't know how many carries will be available.
Norfleet - The only reason I don't have Norfleet redshirtting is because I think he can help us in the return game from day 1. I don't think he factors in at RB this year. With that said, I could easily see Drake Johnson factoring in the return game and Norfleet getting the redshirt.
Hopkins - I have Hopkins listed as a FB, which he is. However, he'll get carrier next year. Due to the lack of TE experience/talent (and also low numbers at WR)...I think our primary formation is going to be Shotgun, 3WR, 2RB. In that formation, Hopkins does have a role and will get some carries. Also in a Pro Set, under center with 2 WRs, 1 TE and 2 RBs who aren't in the I form, but rather even with each other off set to the QB's left and right. I think Hopkins can get carries there too.
I agree that Rawls should be the #2 guy, but from what I've seen as far as practice highlights from this spring (which isn't much at all), Smith has a knack for finding the end zone as long as you don't try running him right up the middle. He could still be a huge asset to this team this season.
Due to your disclaimer and your comments in each and every band thread, I'm going to upvote a Mr. Vost post for the first time ever.
Didn't the coaches tell Kalis he would probably start out at RT before moving to later in his career due to the depth issues? I think depending on how Braden looks, it's more likely that he's the backup there than at guard, since Joey B was getting so much praise during the spring. I would like for him not to be the backup, because he's tiny, but you can't just ignore the talk coming out of Fort Schembechler. I've never even heard of this Erik Gunderson character. Is he any good (in the decimated depth chart he can fill a hole on the line kind of way)?
Also I wasn't sure of the tone of your opening statement. It can't really be helped that there's nothing to talk about on April 21st...
I know depthis an O-line concern, but if they stay healthy, they could be quite good.
I think you have Pipkins too low.
There is no way that Pipkins is that high on the Depth Chart to begin the year. How often do Freshman come in and make an imediate impact at a Defensive Tackle Spot? Rarely is the correct answer.
Here are some of the 5 start DL's Michigan has had, and their stats freshman year:
Gabriel Watson (2002): 8 games, 2 tackles
Lamarr Woodley (2003): 23 tackles, 2 sacks
Brandon Graham (2006): 3 tackles
William Cambell (2009): 4 tackles, 1 pass deflection
Here are the stats of the past rivals 3rd ranked DT's (not counting RS Frosh years):
George Uko (2011) USC: 19 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 pass deflection
Armond Armstead (2009) USC: 11 tackles, 1 sack
DaJohn Harris (2008) USC(!): 1 tackle, 1 sack
Jared Odrick (2007) Penn St: 4 tackles, 1 sack
.....So while DT's don't often make starting caliber players, it's been shown that a good few many of them can come in and contribute.
#1 It's funny for people to go back and forth on Pipkins. Some of you say I have him too high, others say he's too low.
Makes me think I have him in the right position.
#2. In response to the folks who say "too high"...huh? He's last at NG and 3rd at DT. Last year, that was like Richard Ash's role...aka not many snaps. Too high, yet I only have him over ONE player (Kenny Wilkins).
Doesn't make any sense.
I love Morgan and know the coaches love Morgan, but I hope Hawthorne or maybe even Gordon can beat him out, if possible. He is too slow to be effective unless the run is right at him.
He's undersized. I think he'll play mostly on passing downs. If he's the regular WLB opponents will probably run right at him.
If Ross is still 4th on the depth chart at the end of fall practice I think he redhsirts.
I think Brennan Beyer gets the start over Frank Clark but they use Clark more in passing situations.
I dont think Ben Braden redshirts..and one of Chris Wormley or Tom Strobel may not either.
QB
1a. Devin Gardner (RS Jr.)
1b. Shane Morris (Fr.)
3. Russell Bellomy (RS So.)
RB
1. Fitzgerald Toussaint (RS Sr.)***
2. Thomas Rawls (Jr.)
3. Justice Hayes (RS So.)
4. Dennis Norfleet (So.)
5. Drake Johnson (RS Fr.)
rs: DeVeon Smith (Fr.)
FB
1. Stephen Hopkins (Sr.)
2. Joey Kerridge (RS So.)
3. Sione Houma (RS Fr.)
rs: Wyatt Shallman (Fr.)
WR1
1. Jerald Robinson (RS Jr.)
2. Jeremy Jackson (Sr.)
3a. Ricardo Miller (RS Jr.)
3b. Jaron Dukes (Fr.)
WR2
1. Jeremy Gallon (RS Sr.)
2a. Amara Darboh (So.)
2b. Jehu Chesson (So.)
Slot
1. Drew Dileo (Sr.)
TE
1a. Devin Funchess (So.)
1b. A.J. Williams (So.)
3. Jake Butt (Fr.)
4. Jordan Paskorz (RS Jr.)
rs: Khalid Hill (Fr.)
LT
1. Taylor Lewan (RS Sr.)***
2. Michael Schofield (RS Sr.)
3. Erik Magnuson (RS Fr.)
4. Graham Glasgow (RS So.)
rs: Kyle Bosch (Fr.)
LG
1. Kyle Kalis (So.)
2a. Joey Burzynski (RS Jr.)
2b. Blake Bars (RS Fr.)
rs: Chris Fox (Fr.)
C
1. Jack Miller (RS So.)
2. Joey Burzynski (RS Jr.)
rs: David Dawson (Fr.)
RG
1. Chris Bryant (RS So.)
2. Blake Bars (RS Fr.)
rs: Patrick Kugler (Fr.)
RT
1. Michael Schofield (RS Sr.)
2. Ben Braden (RS Fr.)
3. Erik Gunderson (RS Sr.)
rs: Logan Tuley-Tillman (Fr.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WDE
1a. Frank Clark (Jr.)
1b. Brennen Beyer (Jr.)
3. Jake Ryan (RS Jr.)
4: Mario Ojemudia (RS Fr.)
rs: Taco Charlton (Fr.)
NG
1. Ondre Pipkins (So.)
2. Richard Ash (RS Jr.)
DT
1. Quinton Washington (RS Sr.)
2a. Kenny Wilkins (RS Jr.)
2b. Matt Godin (RS Fr.)
4. Willie Henry (RS Fr.)
SDE
1. Jibreel Black (Sr.)
2a. Nathan Brink (RS Sr.)
2b. Keith Heitzman (RS So.)
4a: Chris Wormley (RS Fr.)
4b: Tom Strobel (RS Fr.)
6. Chris Rock (RS So.)
WLB
1. Desmond Morgan (Jr.)
2a. James Ross (So.)
2b. Antonio Poole (RS So.)
MLB
1. Joe Bolden (So.)
2. Kaleb Ringer (RS Fr.)
rs: Ben Gedeon (Fr.)
SLB
1. Jake Ryan (RS Jr.)
2. Cam Gordon (RS Sr.)
3. Royce Jenkins-Stone (RS Fr.)
rs: Michael McCray (Fr.)
WCB
1. Blake Countess (Jr.)
2. Delonte Hollowell (Jr.)
3. Terry Richardson (RS Fr.)
rs: Jourdan Lewis (Fr.)
SCB
1a. Courtney Avery (Sr.)
1b. Terrence Talbott (Sr.)
3. Raymon Taylor (Jr.)
rs: Gareon Conley (Fr.)
FS
1. Thomas Gordon (RS Sr.)
2. Jarrod Wilson (So.)
3. Tamani Carter (RS So.)
4. Jeremy Clark (RS Fr.)
SS
1. Marvin Robinson (Sr.)
2. Josh Furman (RS Jr.)
3. Allen Gant (RS Fr.)
rs: Dymonte Thomas (Fr.)
*** - Assuming player returns for senior season
FB & Slot- Notice these positions are in italics. I realize you can't have 12 players on the field at once. This is my way of recognizing that.(Personally, I believe Shotgun, 3 WR, 2 RB will be our primary set along with the Pro Set formation.)
- Obviously some people are going to say...Morris should redshirt, others are going to say Morris should start and Gardner should play WR. It's just too early to even be close to certain --- so I went with my opinion, that is that they will battle for the top spot (I do think that if Morris wins...Gardner plays WR and Bellomy is your #2 QB.
- I think if Fitz has a huge year...he could be gone, even if he's not a first round pick. He's not from the best area, he will have started for 2 years. He's not one to stay healthy...it may be the smart choice if he does have a 1st Team All-B1G and/or better type year.
- We REALLY need one of the 2 freshman WRs to be GREAT this year.
- TE will be young, but coming around!
- OLine Depth = YIKES 2.0...we'll know more about this position than any other this time next year.
- We have a bunch of DLine coaches...why can't we get some frickin' NOSE GUARDS! Jeez. Where is the beef?! Enough with the Ryan Van Bergan/Will Heininger DT/DEs!! This is like Hoke's recruiting version of Rich Rod's slot position.
- Magnus is going to comment on which LB goes where...in all honesty, no one will know. Especially now. But at least he can tell you where these guys are being recruited to play.
- Who's the next Cass Tech teensy CB we can recruit?
- Safety depth? Yup. SAFETY DEPTH!
- We should finish this class off (assuming 23 commits) with: 1 RB, 1 WR, 1 C, 2 NG, 2 LBs. If we have room for 25...take the previous 6 spots and the best 2 players available regardless of position.
is that other than the O-line, we will not have signficant losses anywhere after this season. Our graduations are pretty well spread out, and we won't take a big hit at any one position. Our young offensive linemen will have to progress well to keep that area solid, but we'll be better next year just about everywhere else (with QB maybe up in the air).
he is clearly ahead of Paskorz and could end up playing more than the freshmen. Also, I would
1)flip flop Magnusson and Braden,
2) Put Heitzman ahead of Brink (Keith is getting a lot of praise this summer and has more size and talent then Brink)
Kwiatowski.
Magnuson could actually end up at guard, we'll see.
And Brink was hurt all Spring, I can't say that he's gone from potential starter to the back of the pack.