Michigan Coaches Clinic: Breaking down the Safeties

Several of us went to the Michigan Coaches clinic and were able to watch the practices and drills. The first day was shorts and helmets, second day was full pads, and third day was scrimmage. Of course, the players need to continue to work hard and keep on developing, but this is what we saw so far this spring.

If season started today:
S. Brown (S) and Harrison (S),

Michigan’s starting safeties are very good. The concern is depth and that concern is huge at safety. Tackling really improved in safeties from last year, but still needs to get better.

Safeties:

S. Brown:
Strength:
He would be one of the top five or so improved players on this team. He has improved his size and speed from last year. He is playing with much more confidence. He looks to just play now and not over think as he did a year ago. He looks to be bigger and really our only safety with great overall speed. (Harrison is fast, but he does not play fast like Brown). Brown also is in the mix to return kick off’s. One of the players we can least afford to get hurt.

Weakness:
He still needs to improve his reads and help against the run. He has yet to perform consistently in games. The jury will still be out until he can prove it on gameday.

Harrison:
Strength:
He plays hard and is tough as nails. He is one of the more physical players in Michigan’s secondary who likes to hit. Also has very good straight-line speed. He is doing quite well in cover two schemes.

Weakness:
Going against big physical wide receivers will give him some difficulties. He is not as nimble and agile as you would prefer. Another kid who is a good player, but not a great player.

Stewart:
Strength:
He is very hard hitting and physical safety. Mr. Reliability in terms that he will do whatever asked of him. He is another player who has improved his overall conditioning and looked quicker with more agility than before. He might be the best run support safety on the team. One of the better special team players on the team.

Weakness:
He needs to continue his improvement in playing in space and cover skills. Overall speed has always and still is an issue. Not someone who you would prefer to have starting, but just may end up in starting line-up due to experience and brains. (like Englemon a year ago).

M. Williams:
Strength:
His football instincts he just looks like a football player. He is not the biggest or fastest, but probably one of smartest kids on team. Understands where to be and can give out a hit if need be. He can probably play either safety position. He hits with force much larger than his size would lead you to believe. You have to appreciate how he competes and the edge he brings to the safety position.

Weakness:
He is not overly big or fast, but needs to get stronger and work on his coverage skills. He is always trying to get that big hit, but missed a couple of tackles going for that stick. He just is not a game breaking or highly talented safety.

written by CoachBt, MaizeMan and ErocWolverine

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