Mailbag question: Got a recruiting question about Big Tex

Mailbag question: Got a recruiting question about Big Tex

GBMW,

How can Michigan fans be so excited for a DT recruit like the one from Texas that everybody calls " Big Tex? I mean the guy is 6'2 and 300 lbs. Is that not bigger than we would want at this position? Not that we don’t need big bodies, but will he survive the Barwis program?

We gave up on guys like Hankins early on because he was out of shape and people thought he wouldn't make it through Barwis’ program.

I guess I do not understand how this kid will last through our program and just getting here is good enough, but lasting for 4-5 years is what I am more concerned about than anything. Or has it came to a point where the coaches are just hoping a kid like this can make it since it seems like defensive line recruiting is not going that well with only a small number of recruits.

Just call me "tater-tot"

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

Thanks for the question.

Your concern is legit in our opinion.

We have watched at practice where larger bodies like Slocum, Sagesse, and Kates have had problems.

We look at Big Tex as a huge risk, huge reward type of athlete.

A player with that size, and with that kind of speed, along with athletic ability, is tough to find. They are always at a huge premium.

With so little film of Big Tex playing defense it is very difficult to get an accurate read on him. There is a huge difference between the physical nature of playing running back at high school football and getting into the trenches at the major college level.

The pounding a player like Mike Martin takes being doubled and combination blocked takes a physical and mental toughness that a high school running back cannot approach.

Thanks for stopping by Go Blue Michigan Wolverine
If you have any questions please E-Mail

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine