Pearlie Graves: Breaking down DT commit Pearlie Graves

Overview:
He is a good athlete for his size. He plays defensive end in high school, but looks like a natural defensive tackle at next level.

Tough to get a great read on this kid, when you watch his film on one-play looks like future All-American, on next looks average. Nice pick up at position of need for Michigan and this defense.

Strengths:
Very quick off the ball and shows nice burst. When gets those pads and plays with leverage is very tough.

He has a nice little rip move that uses at times and almost rips shoulder off offensive linemen. Shows a very good motor, energy and hustles.

Needs Work:
Definite needs to improve his overall, conditioning and gain some strength which with Coach Barwis should not be a problem.

Some of his fundamentals also need to improve. His pad level needs to be more consistent and needs to not standup and give offensive linemen his chest. Also needs to use hands better.

Pearlie Graves Highlights:
http://michigan.scout.com/a.z?s=162&p=11&nid=3485984&isFirstMediaIdAudioOrVideo=video&playlist=http%3A//scout.scout.com/asxplaylist.aspx%3Fs%3D162%26mediaids%3D548583

http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Pearlie-Graves-Highlights-2-33658?done=true

http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Pearlie-Graves-Highlights-1-31341

Interview I did for GBW with his High School Coach:

GoBlueWolverine: Were you surprised at his decision about picking Michigan being away from home and the last time we chatted it seemed like he might favor staying closer to home?

Coach Hill: “I really thought probably he would be looking at programs like Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, but I knew that Michigan was high on his list so it was not a surprise to me. Pearlie made a decision that he is happy, excited about, and best fits what his needs are at Michigan.”

”He feels like this is the best situation for him and gives Pearlie an option to grow up on his own a little bit and mature. He evaluated along with everybody else that this was the best option for him. I think his family understood that along with the coaching staff and a great opportunity for him to grow up and be his own man so to speak. Sometimes the old saying the farther away from home the less likely you will get back home might ring true for Pearlie and might be a good thing.”

GoBlueWolverine: Last time we talked, you mentioned that Pearlie still had to do some work in the classroom. How is that coming at this point in the year?

Coach Hill: “Yea it is a process obviously; it will take through the school year. He has already passed his ACT test and just needs to complete his core curriculum and he should be in good shape.”

GoBlueWolverine: Have the coaches talked about him playing a certain position for them on defense?

Coach Hill: “He will be playing inside at defensive interior and that is what they are excited about having him for and Pearlie feels that is his best bet.”

GoBlueWolverine: Have the coaches talked to you about Pearlie possible playing next year or does he need a red shirt year?

Coach Hill: “Well to be honest I really do not know what the University of Michigan needs are and what players they have coming there or back. As far as Pearlie’s ability, it is a very high level. There are probably many things that he will be green around the collar as far as techniques and what they want. It would be nice to red shirt him so he can learn the system along with getting use to the school, but again I am not sure what their situation is right now. He has the physical makeup to come in early and be a asset early in his career. Of course, every year of experience and knowledge of the mental part of the game will help him out as well. They will help him out with that decision wants they see him and what he can do for them, but they will have to make the decision on whether he can play right away or not.”

GoBlueWolverine: What are Pearlie’s strengths and what does he need to work on at the next level?

Coach Hill: “His number one strength thing is a big kid that can run and that is what makes a high profile kid. Anytime you can be 6’3, 275 lbs. plus and can run a legit 4.8 or better that is his strength. His motor is always running and his quickness, athletic ability is what makes Pearlie special. The things he will need to work on are his technique and getting in with their S&C program at a college level. Needs to play with his hands better as well to improve at the next level and I believe he will do fine.”

GoBlueWolverine: Is Pearlie looking to participate in any other sports this year?

Coach Hill: “He is looking at doing the shot and discus for the track team along with to continue to work out and be ready for college at the University of Michigan”.

written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine