Mailbag question: Differences between recruiting classes

Hello

I know the recruiting class is not over yet for the 2010 recruiting class, but right now I am not as impressed with this year’s class as I was with last year’s class.

What are your thoughts and what do you think, especially knowing we might only have 6 and at the most 10 more kids to be able to go after, with what you know about the guys that are really interested in Michigan.

Seems like we need some top talented guys to come in and not only give depth, especially on defense, but also be able to compete for playing time in their first or second year and not have to wait until year three or four ,like in my opinion some of these guys will be. Do not get me wrong, some of these guys we got I like a lot but think some of those guys are several years away or will only play because of lack of depth.

Your thoughts.

Tim S.

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Thanks for the question.

We have not been unhappy with what IS in the 2010 Michigan football commitments so far. Your question is a tough one to answer, not knowing who the remaining recruits will be or even on what side of the ball they will play.

The 2009 class was a pretty solid class that filled a lot of needs but also missed on several needs (again in our opinion) at key positions.

What IS NOT currently in the class so far has us concerned and has been a concern for us for a longer time period that includes last year.

Of primary concern is the ratio of offensive players (more) to defensive players. Also, recently Michigan is not yet attracting the elite level difference-maker defenders.

We are very happy that Michigan has two talented quarterbacks and four quality split ends.

It is the lack of linemen on both sides of the ball and linebackers that has us most concerned right now. Especially considering the recruits at the above positions that are currently considering Michigan.

The talent level, especially on defense, is getting to the point where Michigan needs to land elite players that can come in and play nearly immediately. This is so because some of the UM recruits of the last couple of years will need time to grow and learn and develop sufficient skills to succeed in major college football. Some young players will probably be forced to play before the coaches would want. But coaches likely do not have a choice, considering the current quality (and even quantity) of depth, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

The most glaring omission we see in this 2010 class, and we are not sure it will be addressed, is a player to take over for B. Graham. We do not have a player right now on the team that compares to what B. Graham brings to Michigan (again in our opinion). UM’s roster includes a couple of players that in time could be high-quality replacements, but again, not immediately.

One last thing, many people believe playing young players is a good thing, and in some cases it is. But throwing players into situations before they can are ready can be detrimental. There are some players on the defensive side of the ball that will be true freshmen playing, even starting, this year. Or, at the very least, these youngsters will be seeing more reps that in a normal year. At other top programs, many of these players would likely be red-shirted.

This is a concern because these players will run out of eligibility in their fourth year after playing right away. Later on, many will be saying: “If we only didn't red shirt him his freshman year and waste a year of eligibility, what would he have done in his fifth year?”

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Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine