Mailbag question: A follow up to what you are looking for in defensive players

Posted at 8:00am -- 12/31/2009



Mailbag question: A follow up to what you are looking for in defensive players

GBMW,

From a defensive perspective, how many in the current (2010) starting line-up fit what you are looking for regarding defensive players.

At times, I thought Martin was pretty solid, and C. Roh looked good.

Do you think the apprehension comes from being both so young and having a new DC schematically?

I know a lot of people feel Campbell still needs to add some more weight/muscle to be a legit every play starter, but I would like to know your thoughts on him as well.

Thanks.

Wallace

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Thanks for the question.

We do not like to comprehensively comment on the 2010 starting line-up until we see spring practices/spring scrimmages.

These are some players who we have seen that have the types of skills Michigan needs.

1) W. Campbell: If Will ever picks up the fundamentals and learns to keep his pads down; he has the type of movement coaches look for from defensive linemen. Remember we were the first ones that said he was going to struggle last year and pointed out his fundamental problems, while others were stating he was going to make a sudden impact and be a sure-fire starter from the beginning.

2) M. Martin: Mike started slow, but in our opinion by mid season he showed an All Big Ten future.

3) C. Roh: Craig possesses super technique for a youngster and the type of lateral speed and great first step needed to be an impact player.

4) M. Jones: GBMW was pleasantly surprised by his explosiveness and quick burst. He closed in a big *ss hurry.

5) B. Hawthorne: He has super feet and a nasty attitude.

6) K. Demens: Kenny has lateral quickness and fills hard, and has a nasty attitude!

7) J.T. Turner: He filled like a linebacker, and finished hard. If you watch his high school film on kick-off returns Justin demonstrates that initial burst to get to the second level and the type of skill and athletic ability needed to close.

8) Vlad: He is a tough SOB and closed very well.

Players in 2010 class we like so far:

1) Terrence Talbott: This type of skill set coaches look for, he is capable of a thirty-five in vertical and a ten foot in broad jump. The only reason, in our opinion, that Terrence is not rated higher is size; he has all the other physical tools.

2) Ash: He is a very good athlete for his size, and plays the game with an edge you do not always find in big guys. We were disappointed when he committed to West Virginia because we thought he was the best defensive lineman left on the UM board. We were obviously very happy to see Michigan get back on him and secure a verbal commitment.

3 J. Furman: In our opinion, at this time, he is more of an "athlete" than a great football player. Has very good vertical movement and straight-line speed, but does not show the lateral movement and change of direction/ability to accelerate out of a stop that is key. If he puts it all together he has the measurable to be very good.

Written by GBMW Staff

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