Coaches Corner: 2009 Michigan Recruiting so far

Michigan overview: A look at Michigan recruiting so far.

Offense recruiting:
Major Props to Coach Rod and staff for job they have done recruiting the offensive side of the ball. In five months, they have added three Quarterbacks, and much needed speed at skill positions. Staff has also added players like Michael Shaw, Teric Jones, and Fitzgerald Toussaint who are capable of playing multiple positions. Not to mention quality Offensive line prospects to add depth and talent there. Just a fantastic job of evaluating and securing players who fit well into what Michigan is trying to accomplish. After watching practice and scrimmage, this spring you could get a feel to what Coach Rod and staff were trying get done, and how the new recruits fit in.

Special Teams:
If the staff get props for Offense recruiting they get kudos for recruiting kids who either excel, or have potential to superior special teams players. From guys like Shaw, Odoms, T-Rob, Stonum, and McGuffie in 2008 class to Toussaint, and Jones in 2009 class there is a wealth of athletes with potential and skill set to be superior return men. In addition, just as many guys who have the speed, athletic ability, and toughness to be superior cover men. Mix with the emphasis shown in special teams play this spring, and Michigan fans have reason to be excited about what is happening with special teams.

Defense:
Here is where I have some concern. Not panic, not ready to jump off the bridge, or become an Ohio State fan or anything. Just see and reading some things that make me concerned. The drop from Michigan’s first group on Defense to the second group was noticeable. Michigan needs a major upgrade in defensive speed and talent, and need it quickly.

What concerns me is that eleven of the seventeen guys Coach Rod and staff have secured are offensive people. The top two or three guys who might be next to commit also appear to be from offensive side of ball. Are they recruiting defenders, of course, it just does seem to be with same intensity or urgency as offensive side of ball at this time. Can it change course in big hurry, absolutely. If that happens I will be first person to applaud that effort, same as defensive effort, but after 2008 season defense have a few holes with no apparent player to fill in.

Who is going to take Tim Jamison’s place as speed/edge rusher? Who is going to step up provide depth at corner? After Trent and Warren things, get very thin. Yes, we have Boo Boo coming in and Woolfolk shows some skill, but neither has any real game experience. In addition, safety is not much better than corner. Defensive Tackle loses are top two this year, and have only one ready to step up. Two good recruits are on list, but it takes more than three quality players to make a superior team. This not meant to disrespect Coach Rod and staff in any way. Just some concerns from a semi-educated observer. Just been my experience that when you have head coach who is also is part Offensive Coordinator on that side of ball he can be over-emphasized.

Written by CoachBt

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