Mailbag Question:

Did you guys watch the Dolphins beat the Patriots -- and notice how they did it? There's a relevant article in the USA today?

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2008-09-24-formations_N.htm

Talking about the NFL is a copycat league and how "odd formations" with running backs taking snaps, etc. will become more common in the NFL.

To me, this bodes well for Michigan players in Coach Rod's spread system. If nothing else, Coach Rod's offense, (when it is fully established) uses any number of these so-called "odd" formations. So the argument that Michigan players under Coach Rod will be less attractive to the pros loses some of its luster because if the pros are going to start letting running backs take snaps, and run out of less-than-conventional formations. Then it would seem that players used to playing in the innovative offensive schemes of Coach Rod would see their pro chances increase.
What do you guys think?

-- John Q

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Thanks for the question. The NFL is all about talent and skill sets. If you have the ability, the NFL will find you.

If Michigan recruits and develops players with skills necessary to play in NFL, it will not matter what type of offense they run. Many Defensive Backs, Wide Receivers, etc have come out of spread teams.

This goes all the way back to run and shoot days. Problem Michigan is having is that opponents are using spread to negative recruit Michigan at some positions. All Michigan needs to do is put players in the NFL and this disappears very quickly.

Hard to negative recruit when your putting players in the NFL, but if you haven't really done that in the past or right now then teams will keep doing it until you prove them wrong.

written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine