Mailbag question: Defensive Talent?

ErocWolverine / CoachBt:

I'm concern that Michigan is not loading up on "Elite Defensive Talent." If you look at USC and Florida over the past three recruiting classes, they have recruited "Elite Defensive Players" (difference makers on defense). In your opinion, do you believe that Michigan can build a championship defense just like USC and Florida has with the good defensive talent (not "Elite Talent") that they are recruiting.

Thanks so much for the blog, I really respect your opinion because it's honest.

D. Phelps

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Thanks for the question and comments.

We are equally concerned with lack of elite level defensive talent.

To compound our concerns, Michigan is not even getting visits from many of the difference maker defensive athletes. It is possible to build a very good defense with a lot of real good players.

But in our opinion, it takes the elite level, top twenty in NFL draft type players to build a truly great defense. Building around a Charles Woodson type player is the best way. Those type of great athletes / players elevate all those around them.

We keep hearing about kids wanting to visit or will visit that could be those type of players, but have not showed up to Ann Arbor yet for a visit while they go elsewhere. Some have already committed elsewhere as well.

The one problem we have as well now, is that they cannot miss on the commits they get on the defensive side of the ball with so many holes to fill and not many spots left. They need several defensive backs yet, a linebacker or two, defensive tackle, and a pass rusher would be nice. In our opinion, we need players / athletes -- not just bodies as well.

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

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine