Rumors are that Mathews and Stonum are both possible looking around. How bad would that, hurt the program if one or both left right now.
Why are these guys thinking of leaving because it is obvious to me they would be starters with not much competition or is it because of the new system and coaches?
Jim
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Thanks for the question. The team is a bit thin at split end and losing two contributors would definitely be a big blow.
Why are they leaving? The reason is because this not an offense where split ends are the stars. Split ends are blockers first and pass catchers second. Some kids just do not want to play that style of game.
The lack of meaningful vertical game can also be negative in the mind of many kids. Playing for a different position coach or head coach who did not recruit you can also be a factor. This is one of those incidents where each case is probably a little different.
Will these players leave? Well right now we believe that they are just feeling the situation out and also possibly telling the coaches "hey remember us" showing them that they are upset. Everybody remembers the Stonum article before he came to Michigan when Coach Rod was hired when he said "I am too talented to be a blocker". We believe both will be back and they will get some new help with two quarterbacks coming in. Will that be enough to keep them happy? Well that will depend on how well the new quarterbacks pick up the offense.
Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine
You guys do a nice overall job. Definitely no sugarcoating which is nice. A little more elaboration on certain things would be nice though.
ReplyDeleteThat in mind, what are your guys' thoughts on how much the vertical element will evolve and hopefully increase with better play at QB and better overall speed at receiver (I felt only Stonum had any deep speed this year)? I was just comparing stats of receptions/yards of UM receivers versus Florida's and found that Mathews (2nd leading receiver) would have tied for the team lead on UF in receptions. Granted a big difference in yards between he and Harvin but interesting nonetheless. Also as a team, Florida completed only 14 more passes than UM, though they had about 800 additional yards and had a 62/38 run-pass ratio (counting sacks as runs). UM was 58/42.
As I watched this year's offense, my only solace was hoping that we can evolve to look something like Florida once the appropriate pieces are in place. A run first spread that gets guys the ball in space (via jet sweeps, screens, bubble and others) but that can also get vertical pass plays on a fairly regular basis. Am I being too optimistic? I know UM doesn't have anybody with the speed of Demps/Rainey/Harvin right now but here's hoping that changes soon.
Thanks.
Brad