What incoming Freshmen could start next year?

Submitted by Eli on December 19th, 2018 at 10:21 AM

First Board Tab for me so I hope this is ok to ask. Who do you guys think could start for us or be major contributors out of this incoming class for next season? Also, who will they beat out? Meaning if Hill starts, who will be his backup?  I’m having a blast today following this and conversating with all of you!

Fezzik

December 19th, 2018 at 11:53 AM ^

Or we could finally update our offense and he'd be a great Big Ten RB. Our problem is we give most of Evans his touches at what is probably his biggest weakness. Running downhill between the tackles. Coaches are supposed to put their talent in its highest potential to succeed. Saquon Barkley had 54 catches his last year at PSU. Evans MIGHT reach 54 by the time his eligibility runs out. Evans is a space player. Design plays to put him in space and spread out the D. If we actually did that it would open up so much more for him when he did run between the tackles.

Realus

December 19th, 2018 at 12:55 PM ^

I used to think Harbaugh was a great coach.  But the great can get better, apparently.  I cannot fathom why he is wasting talent like Evans.  A very good to great player in space.  But Harbaugh never f'ing puts him in space.  And let's not forget wasting the WRs.

I guess we really do have a 80s offense :-(

gary3

December 19th, 2018 at 1:16 PM ^

The thing is, that 80's offense was working pretty well. Ever since Warriner had taken over play calling after ND, we were winning because our ground game offense complimented our defense. 

 

I don't disagree on how Harbaugh can improve, but for the most part I think he and John are gonna run Har-Ball wherever they are, given the amount of 50+ rushing attempt games we've seen the Ravens and Wolverines run this year :P

Zopak

December 19th, 2018 at 10:25 AM ^

It would be a major surprise if Daxton Hill wasn't starter right off the bat. You can't teach that level of speed and athleticism. Cornelius Johnson will definitely get some playing time, too tall to deny and some seriously sticky mitts. Due to Solomon leaving, Mazi Smith might see the field earlier than he really should. And if he signs, Charbonnet will be getting handoffs, especially after Samuels wen't and did a stupid. 

WayOfTheRoad

December 19th, 2018 at 10:41 AM ^

Crazier things have happened but Zach is gone. He's already informed the programs. So, unless he feels differently by Noon he's going to OSU. 

That said, I didn't think Hill was coming back. I didn't and don't follow recruiting much anymore so I didn't hear Webb say anything about Hill as much as I didn't think we could get him back from Bama.

Anyway, I had pretty direct info from last Summer (explained the other day) that Zach didn't like Meyer. It was said that he was going there but didn't like Meyer. His later scandal is what opened the door for us in a real sense. The rumors I heard seem to have been proven via recent news so their cause truly was helped by losing their HOF coach. That's mind boggling but true.

Zach is 99% gone. I'd say 100% but crazier things have happend so 99%.

DrMantisToboggan

December 19th, 2018 at 10:27 AM ^

I’d bet a finger or two on Dax starting. Coverage ability and speed is like nothing we have in our DBs right now. He’s taking Kinnel’s spot.

Charbonnet could definitely be the lead back, idk about “starter” label.

Outside shot at Mazi starting.

Zoltanrules

December 19th, 2018 at 10:28 AM ^

Watch out for Giles Jackson

Michigan has not has a player like him and is necessary for today's elite college football and modern NFL. Tarik Cohen like.

Zach Charbonnet, another Cali kid, are going to be very nice surprises.

Zoltanrules

December 19th, 2018 at 10:41 AM ^

Smaller,shiftier, quicker, but probably not as fast in line 40..

He is a spread the field, one v one coverage problem and has the "it" factor like Mike Hart and Denard did using real quickness and creativity to break big plays.

A professional analysis from the DetNews earlier this fall..

“(Jackson) is the kind of explosive athlete who can score from anywhere on the field,” 247Sports’ Greg Biggins said. “He showed off his athleticism at The Opening testing off the charts with a 4.43-40, 3.85 shuttle and a 38 (inch) vertical jump.  And he is one of the most competitive players around. He should be a fan favorite because of his style of play and his big-play potential, and if he's used right in the offense, he'll be a major headache for opposing coordinators to deal with.”

northernmich

December 19th, 2018 at 10:30 AM ^

Hill will start over Hawkins at the single high safety. Charbonnet will get reps with Evans and Wilson. Mazi and Hinton will be rotational players. Surprise contributor: Ojabo. He will get some run in pass rushing situations.

Tom Pickle

December 19th, 2018 at 10:31 AM ^

RB is the easiest position for a true freshman to play so Charbonnet has as good a chance as anyone of ''starting" next year, but even if he gets the plurality of the carries I don't think any one back is going to be a main back like Higdon was this year.

Safety is definitely an area of need and Dax Hill is instantly the most talented guy in the secondary, but if he starts it probably won't be until deeper into the season. He'll play right away, but probably split time.

Smith and Hinton will likely both get a chance to play some next year, but won't start.

Jalen Perry has a lot of people to jump, but there might be two jobs open at CB next year so he likely has a shot at least.

Jackson and Sanrastil both should see some time as they aren't other players like them on the roster right now.

Soloman, Johnson, and Velazquez might get some scattered snaps here and there. I'd guess everyone else redshirts.