2010 Michigan Recruiting: Louis Trinca-Pasat -- Defensive End

Louis Trinca-Pasat from Chicago Lane Tech in Chicago, Illinois.



CoachBt/ErocWolverine quick comments: He is a hardworking defensive end / outside linebacker prospect who is a solid athlete. Very quick off the ball and plays a physical game. Long arms and frame to add weight. Needs to get stronger and watch his pad level.

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

Michigan Spring Scrimmage: Pictures

2nd team Offense vs. 1st team DefenseBrandon Minor (4)

Will Campbell (73)

Brandin Hawthorne (7) and Kenny Demens (25)

Tate Forcier (5), Mark Huyge (72) and Brandon Minor (4)

Mailbag question: Offensive line

Mailbag question for you:

We have heard all spring about the great improvement in the offensive line (which has me hyped). However, taking a step back, where can we expect our offensive line to rank in terms of the Big Ten? Do you expect it be one of the top three lines in the Big Ten this year, or are we improved, but not at the level, we are used to seeing at Michigan?

Thanks,

Luke

--------------------------------------------

Thanks for the question; it's a good one!

If you look around the Big Ten, you see teams that have lost a ton of talent on the offensive line.

Penn State was hit particularly hard, and Ohio State lost their top offensive lineman.

Michigan, however, returns all five starters and top reserves, and has a lot more depth now then last year.

The big question we have is whether some of the young guns might start to push the starters. Young players like Barnum and Omameh have the best skills of the group, and we expect Khoury to make a huge push also.

What we are watching for: has the Old Guard -- Ortmann, Moosman, and Molk -- tapped out. Can they continue to grow and improve?

In our opinion, they are a solid group. But they do not have the high ceiling of, say, Ohio State. Some of the younger, more superior athletes must step forward to put us up there with the top teams.

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

BTN: Interview with LaMarr Woodley

Michigan Football Tidbits: Michigan vs. Ohio State this spring -- Defensive Breakdown

Michigan Football Tidbits: Michigan vs. Ohio State this spring -- Defensive Breakdown

CoachBt spent time at both schools this spring while MaizeMan and ErocWolverine stayed with the Wolverines. We witnessed practices, scrimmages, and spring game for both schools. Thought it would be fun, and open up some good debate, about how the two programs compare in talent at this time. We will do it by comparing position groups and not factoring in incoming freshmen; strictly players involved this spring.

Both schools have one thing in common; the best talent is young. Ohio State has an outstanding sophomore class, and Michigan has a very good one.

Defense: Biggest difference here is Ohio State's depth

Defensive Line:

This might be Ohio State's most talented group. Ohio State is one solid defensive end away from having a super defensive line. Thad Gibson is scary off the edge and Ironhead is nasty and physical. Three top defensive tackles return from last season and if Heywood is moved inside to his natural three tech position, this becomes a scary group. Would not trade B. Graham for any of Ohio State's defensive linemen; he is most the complete player on the two teams. Also, Mike Martin would definitely see plenty of playing time. After that, it is all Ohio State. They even have two talented young defensive linemen, Willaims and Goebels, waiting in the wings.

Overall: Advantage Ohio State

Linebackers:
Ohio State is replacing all three starters from 2008, and two were three year starters. That is a ton of experience and talent to replace. Sabino is talented and will be fine inside. It is outside that Ohio State has some problems, especially in coverage. Moeller, Rolle, and Holman are okay-to-solid against the run, but not nearly as good in space or in coverage. Michigan has some experience, but linebackers have not been very productive, so this one is tough to call.

Overall: Advantage -- Even -- wait till fall to decide.

Defensive Backs:
There is probably less defensive back talent then at any time since Coach Tressell took over at Ohio State. Not saying it is bad, just not nearly as deep and talented as usual.

Cornerbacks:
Chewka is good-to-solid at boundary cornerback, but may have topped out. Torrence is playing really well and young kid named Johnson showed very well. This is an area where Michigan can make up some ground on Ohio State with Floyd, Boo Boo, and D. Warren Michigan. Ohio State has the definite edge in physical play; their cornerbacks will knock your head off. Only Boo Boo has shown that so far at Michigan (our toughest guy is named "BooBoo"?).

Overall: Advantage Ohio State, because of depth and physical play; top three are close.

Safeties:
This is an area where I noticed biggest drop in Ohio State talent. Ohio State was not its usual six to eight deep here. Coleman is good--will tear your head off--but he's a bit small; Russell is just okay and Oliver is good hitter, but after that it drops off. Michigan moving Woolfolk to safety and M. Williams with Vlad gives Michigan hope, but until I see better play in games, will have just say I am catiously optimistic.

Overall: Advantage Ohio State, because they have shown to be better tacklers in space.

Coaching:
Only do this to make point. You can be polar opposites like Coach Tressell and Coach Rod and still be very successful. And despite the personality differences they still have certain things in common: both have a close knit inner circle they completely trust and believe in despite fan criticism; both are perfectionists; and they aretwo of the most demanding people I have ever seen. In addition, the biggie is that both can control a room, and when they are on the field there is no doubt who the boss is.

Overall: Push -- Even -- both schools have coaches they can be happy with.

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

2010 Michigan Recruiting: Troy Gloster -- Linebacker

Troy Gloster from Our Lady Good Counsel high school in Olney, Maryland.



CoachBt / ErocWolverine quick comments: He is a physical outside linebacker who plays a very physical game. He could also play inside linebacker at the college level. He fills hard and shows good burst and acceleration when filling or blitzing. Keeps his feet moving and sheds blocks very well. Plays better in straight lines than laterally. Coverage skills also need some work.

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

Michigan Spring Scrimmage: Pictures

Coach Rod1st team Offense vs. 2nd team Defense
1st team Offense vs. 2nd team Defense
Darryl Stonum
Darryl Stonum

Mailbag question: déjà vu all over again?

As we all know by now, more likely than not, the defense is going to have some struggles this season. The more I hear that, I get the feelings of déjà vu.

Last year, I remember hearing the same things about the offense. Are
we going to have to 'lean on' the offense this year in the same way we were forced to 'lean on' the defense last year?

If so, what is the possibility that now our offense will be able keep us in games (and then collapse by the second half of the season)? Furthermore, do you
see the defense as being as behind the offense as was the case with
the offense vs. the defense last year?

I cannot highlight all of the parallels I am seeing here. I would like to
hear your thoughts on this.

Thanks,

Paul

---------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for the question.

The problem with leaning too much on the offense is expecting a true freshmen quarterback to win games. That is called "flirting with disaster." Putting all that pressure on a freshman to "be the man" is a lot to ask for at this level.

Also consider that our split ends are not a position of strength yet.

In our opinion, the best-case scenario is for Michigan to have an outstanding running game mixed in with play action and boots. Our running game is talented and deep; it should be a position of strength for the offense -- they should be able to use several backs to mix it up as well.

By using the clock to your advantage with a strong running game, you can negate, or at least hide, a weaker defense by keeping it off the field. Controlling the ball and the clock will not only help the defense, but with a strong running game that opposing defenses have to defend by bringing more players closer to the line of scrimmage, the passing game will open up and it won't even have to be that complicated. That is a great way to take pressure off Tate and use the passing game as an extra weapon. Forcier can then be a true dual threat with his legs and arm.

This accomplishes two things:

1) It will help keep our defense off the field.

2) It puts Forcier in the best position to succeed: Out of the pocket where he will see better and he can caese stress for an opposing defense worried about outside containment, the running game, and hopefully, downfield passing.

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

Michigan Spring Scrimmage: Video Highlights (:20)

Michigan Football Tidbits: Michigan vs. Ohio State this spring -- Offensive Breakdown

Michigan Football Tidbits: Michigan vs. Ohio State this spring -- Offensive Breakdown

CoachBt spent time at both schools this spring while MaizeMan and ErocWolverine stuck with watching the Wolverines. We witnessed practices, scrimmages, and the spring games for both schools. Thought it would be fun, and open up some good debate about how the two programs compare in talent at this time. We will do it by comparing position groups and not factoring in incoming freshmen; strictly players involved this spring.

Both schools have one thing in common; the best talent is young. Ohio State has an outstanding sophomore class, and Michigan has a very good one.

Offense:

Quarterbacks:
Pryor is an elite level, difference maker. He was the absolute star of the spring for Ohio State. Bauserman is a competent back up. One area I give Forcier the edge over Pryor in is football sense. He also throws short balls as well as Pryor.

Overall: Advantage to Ohio State, and by quite a bit at this time.

Running Backs:
Boom / Herron are solid between the offensive tackles, have very good vision and cut well. Saine is scary fast and improved, but still a work in progress. We all saw how good Minor and C. Brown can be, throw in Shaw and Vincent and Michigan is well stocked at running back.

Overall: Advantage Michigan especially if they stay healthy.

Offensive Line:
This is work in progress for Ohio State. Their best talent, minus Justin Boren, are freshmen and sophomores. Question for Ohio State is who plays offensive tackle? and, was it just a matter of the defensive line being so good they abused offensive line? Ohio State does not have Michigan's cohesion at this time, and Michigan does a better job at pass protection right now.

Overall: Advantage Michigan at this time, but with caveat that Ohio State has talent to close the gap.

Split Ends / Wide Receivers:
Posey is star in waiting, big and fast. T. Washington might be Ohio State's most improved and Sanzenbacher and Small are also in mix. In addition, Ohio State has two wildcards, Thomas and Jackson, two youngsters who flat out fly. Michigan does not have Ohio State's speed on outside or Ohio State's overall depth.

Overall: Advantage Ohio State

Tight Ends:
Ballard has lost some weight and is looking better, and Stoneburner is being used as kind of Tight End / Slot receiver / H-Back athlete moving him around and creating mismatches. Koger is a stud in waiting and Webb is just as good. But, will Michigan use them? Keeping my fingers crossed that the answer is yes.

Overall: Advantage Michigan, if they are used.

Tomorrow the Defensive breakdown

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

2010 Michigan Recruiting: Holmes Onwukaife -- Defensive End

CoachBt and ErocWolverine quick comments: He is a smallish, but super quick and explosive defensive end prospect. He has an excellent burst and closing speed. Moves well laterally and is very good in pursuit. He needs to watch Pad level and use hands better.

Michigan Spring Scrimmage: Pictures

Mesko (41) with a deep punt

Scott Schrimscher (97) trying a field goal.

Bryan Wright trying a field goal.

Jason Olesnavage (92) trying a field goal.

Tate Forcier (5) warming up.

Mailbag question: Problems last year

Hey Guys,

Great blog, just recently found it and now read it almost everyday.

I am curious as to the nature of the relationship between Coach Shafer and the other defensive coaches (and Coach Rod for that matter) last year. As time passes, it seems like there was quite a bit of animosity between the coaches. Could you give us some insight as to what went wrong between the coaches? Do you think any one coach was more responsible for the problems last year, or was this a cumulative problem?

p.s. It is nice to read a blog with guys who have more than a superficial knowledge of the sport.

Thanks,

Mark

-----------------------------------

Thanks for the question and the comments. Hope you continue to come back, and tell others about it!

Coach Rod is always saying football is the one true team game. It is the same for the rest of the coaching staff also.

They are all equally responsible for what happens on the field, good or bad. All staff members work on game plans and are responsible for execution of said game plan.

There are times when certain staff members just do not fit, or mesh with the rest of the staff. Coach Rod is big on saying that it takes thick skin to play or coach at Michigan.

In our opinion, there is plenty of blame to go around for what happened last season on both the offense and defense, but not just one coach. When you go 3-9 there are plenty of people to blame, from the top on down.

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

Michigan Spring Scrimmage: Video Highlights (2:45)

Mailbag question: Can you explain the tweener better

I appreciate your web site and your point of view and the frequency that you post. I am sure it is reasonable amount of work; so, just know that we fans with very little access to the team appreciate it.

The hybrid positions really seem like they could be fun to watch and enhance my viewing pleasure (i.e., is he rushing or is he covering?) Are the two hybrid positions (i.e., the DL / LB tweener and the LB / S tweener) always on the same side, or do they move him to difference sides, or can they come from the middle?

1) Are both tweeners always on the right side (POV of defense)?

Or

2) Are both tweeners always on the same side as one another?

p.s., please don't answer using "strong-side" or "weak-side" terms of art unless you explain what side that is (from the Point of view of the defense) because I'm a neophyte when it comes to this stuff.

Big Zack from Chugwater, WY

----------------------------------------

Thanks for the question and comments. Yes it does take a lot of time and effort to put this blog together. It is a hobby (one we love), but we also have real jobs, too.

One of the problems Michigan defense had this spring was using tweeners at Spinner.

A tweener, too small for defensive end and too slow for outside linebacker would not be a good fit at Spinner.

The hybrid takes a specific skill set. A player like ex-Wolverine Shawn Crable would be excellent at spinner position.

The ability to cover and play reasonably well in space as well as the ability to rush the passer, both with hand on ground and while blitzing, are skills necessary to be effective at spinner.

The outside linebacker again takes specific skill set.

A tweener, too small for linebacker, not athletic enough for safety, will not be a perfect fit again.

The outside linebacker needs to be able to fill like a linebacker, but also must be able to cover in space and even play deep coverage.

These positions are on different sides and in a typical defense would be "like" outside linebackers in a 3-4 type defense, but not as much with the spinner position, where he is moved around and even plays in the A gap in two point.

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

2010 Michigan Recruiting: Demar Dorsey -- Safety -- Florida Commit

Demar Dorsey from Anderson high school in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida.



CoachBt/ErocWolverine quick comments: He is a outstanding athlete with super speed. He is a high school cornerback who can play either safety or cornerback in college. He is a very good tackler with physical edge to his game, but he needs to improve his strength and gain some weight.

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

Michigan Spring Scrimmage: Pictures

Coach Rod, Mike Cox, (15), Brandon Herron (58), Mike Martin (68), and Mike Barwis.

Coach Rod, Mike Cox, (15), Brandon Herron (58), Mike Martin (68), and Mike Barwis.

Coach Rod, Brandon Herron (58), Mike Martin (68), and Mike Barwis.

Coach Rod, Mike Martin (68), and Mike Barwis.

Coach Rod and Mike Barwis.

Mailbag question: Is this the worst defense we have had in awhile?

Will this be the worst defense in post-leather helmet history for Michigan? I cringe every time I watch the lowlights of the spring game.

I understand that a few key players did not see a lot of action but the ones that did have me a little worried. With a young quarterback do we see more than 4-5 wins with little defensive support?

Dave

-------------------------------------

Thanks for the question.

Remember two things about spring game highlights: You saw "highlights" -- not all the action. Also, the FIRST TEAM OFFENSE went against the SECOND TEAM DEFENSE, which was comprised of mostly inexperienced players and even walk ons.

Three of the four best players on defense were held out or injured (Mouton, Warren, and Martin), and as we have harped on for the past year, our defensive depth chart is not anything to write home about. Depth needs to be addressed in the 2010 recruiting year with players that can at least come in and compete for time, and get into the two deep to create competition.

We are of the opinion that 6-6 is very doable with this squad and the schedule that Michigan has this year.

We saw nothing this spring to change that opinion.

If the defense can stay healthy, they have the talent to be a solid unit. The major concerns we have after this spring are a pass rush, depth, and giving up big plays.

In our opinion, if B. Graham, Mike Martin, or one of inside linebackers have to miss any meaningful time it could get very scary. We are counting on a lot of young players with not much experience to step up this year where last year experienced players were counted on and did not deliver. We will see bright spots and probably bad spots from these players this year.

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

BTN: Steve Breaston Interview

Michigan Spring Scrimmage: Video Highlights (:30)

Mailbag question: Do you expect us to have a dominant running game this fall

Dear Eroc / CoachBt,

Your blog has been my favorite over past two springs, your coverage on the Spring practice is a head and neck above anybody else.

I would like to get your guys take on the follow question.

Given all the praises you guys give to the offensive line and the running backs, do you expect us to have a dominant running game this fall.

However, does that mean we will see a less "spread" offense but more traditional Big Ten power running game? I do not mind the latter at all as long as it gives us the better chance of winning.

Kenny

---------------------------------------------------

Thanks for the question and comments.

Michigan showed many different formations this spring to include ace / two tight ends, pro-I formation, trips using tight end as third wide receiver to strong side. There is still little doubt in our minds that Michigan will be primarily a spread formation team, but will mix it up a lot more than last years offense.

As for running game, much of that will depend on how good Michigan’s passing game will be.

If safeties are allowed to crowd the line of scrimmage with little concern for being burned, the running game will be tough to establish.

We were happy with improvement in offensive line, but one of things we are questioning is whether that improvement is more noticeable because Michigan’s defense was not very good--or was the defense less than stellar because the offensive line was very good.

This question will not be answered until fall when we suit up against other teams--and circle the Notre Dame game as the true first test.

Thanks for stopping by http://gobluemichiganwolverine.blogspot.com/
If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine