Michigan Football Tidbits: Tidbits: Cornerback
Watching some 7 on 7 and other drills (wide receiver comments later), here is some observations about cornerback play.
First take into consideration these are kids practicing against themselves without coaches involvement. Therefore, at times, some kids play cornerback that would normally be a safety and vice versa.
PLEASE -- NO INJURIES THIS YEAR! This could be the key to cornerback play at Michigan. Right now, Michigan has two top cornerback's -- That's it -- 2. Then there is either a huge drop-off or unproven (freshmen) who are going to be pushed into action.
Cornerback play has been very erratic in the past years. Coach Gibson has a big coaching job ahead of him. Depth issues and inexperience at cornerback is not the best formula for success in today's college football where offenses dominate.
Think the key is going to be overall confidence of the kids, not ability. They have the talent, but having great confidence usually makes the difference between good and not so good cornerback's.
Boo-Boo: What a difference a year makes. Boo-boo main development -- his confidence. He is playing with a ton of confidence and he seems to be fearless in terms of not worrying about getting beat deep. And despite his size, he is a very physical player.
Probably the most improved defender this spring, and definite best defensive back who practiced. Makes up for lack of ideal size with best feet on team and edgy in your face attitude. Taller, more physical wide receiver's will probably always be a challenge for Boo Boo.
He looks to be a future leader of the defense and needs to stay healthy. Because of his body make-up we worry about his ability to stay healthy, but we worry about everything especially defensive players.
Warren: (Our opinion) If there is such a thing from benefiting from not participating in spring practice. Warren was injured last year, that has been documented, but it just seemed Warren lost a little edge. He seemed to not enjoy football. Most of this is because of his relationship with Shafer (which was strained), but just think it went deeper than that.
Warren got hurt, coach Gibson takes over the cornerback's and as much heat coach Gibson gets as a position coach there is no doubt the kids really seem to like the guy.
Warren has shown up this summer with a rejuvenation that is good to see. He is hustling back from plays (while he walked before) and he is involved with teaching the younger kids. Everything people expected from Warren he seems to be back.
Now all this may change if he does not perform well early and he is going to be under some pressure, but he looks like he is having fun again and that may be the best way to describe Warren this summer.
Did not practice this spring do to injury, but for this defense and team to be better than last year Warren needs to play well. He is the most talented defensive back and is a two year starter. He must step up and provide solid play and leadership.
Floyd: Am on the fence with Floyd. On the one hand we think Michigan will have to play a ton of zone when he is in the game. His overall talent, speed, quickness is not up to either Warren or Boo-boo.
But Floyd is another one of those kids who just loves the game and he wants to be there and he will do anything he can to play. He is working really hard this summer on his fundamentals and footwork. Right now, he is solid #3 cornerback.
Was pleasantly surprised by how Floyd practiced this spring. Kid gave 100% on every drill and play we watched and just seem to want to be a good football player. Made up for lack of speed and quickness by jamming and rerouting well. Not as talented as top two, but is crucial to this upcoming season. If for no other reason than to provide needed depth and to be third cornerback in some packages.
Turner: Everyone is excited for him to show up, but we will reserve any comments till we actually see him. The problem is "some people" have said not to worry, but this is mid-July and by this time everybody should be worried especially a player that was suppose to contribute early. That is one reason we are disappointed in all this missing the state test and having to take it during the summer along with summer classes. He was one of the players we was counting on to contribute early and the sooner you can get to Ann Arbor the better especially working out with coach Barwis and also the team. He was around Ann Arbor the other day, but will he be there this fall?
Witty: Safety or cornerback? Right now, we say cornerback, but he is playing both. Witty is the type of kid who really needs to red-shirt in our opinion. Have a year to heal completely and get stronger with coach Barwis.
In a normal situation he probably would, but this is an unusual situation and Witty may be forced into action. One thing for sure, coach Gibson seems to love the kid and he can run. Nobody knows how close to 100% he really is.
He is very thin, but fast, quick, looks like he can play. Just needs a ton of fundamental work. Reminds me of where Boo-boo was a year ago (as people remember Boo-boo struggled early last year.)
So we see Witty probably as the #5 cornerback or possibly #4. Depending on what they decide to do with Turner. But injuries could change everything.
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Written by MaizeMan, CoachBt and ErocWolverine
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