Sunday, April 26, 2009

2010 Michigan Recruiting: James Hurst -- Offensive Line -- North Carolina Commit

James Hurst from Plainfield high school in Plainfield, Indiana.



CoachBt/ErocWolverine quick comments: He is a tough, hard-nosed drive blocker who is very strong and powerful at point of attack. Keeps his feet moving and finishes his blocks. He is a very solid pass blocker who needs to watch his base and keep his feet apart. Also needs to watch his pad level.

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

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine


Michigan Spring Scrimmage: Pictures

Mike Barwis. Mike Barwis getting ready to hand out S&C awards.

Coach Rod and Brandon Graham (55).

Coach Rod with Patrick Omameh (65) and J.T. Floyd (12).

Coach Rod and David Molk (50).

Mailbag question: Defensive depth issues


Hey dude,

Apparently, Coach Rod and company have done a good job recruiting for our secondary. However, I am almost beginning to believe that he does not think that big strong guys that play in the trenches and are the heart and soul of any football team are worth anything.

It almost seems as though he wants to make everyone on our defense a linebacker, including even his safety recruits. I know that you have mentioned on your blog that many high school recruits usually play safety and have to be moved once they are in college, but seriously, it is getting a little ridiculous. We have a major surplus of linebackers now, when what we really need are safeties and d-linemen.

Like I said, they have done a pretty good job recruiting for the secondary now, but I'm still extremely concerned about our d-line. So my question is, where do we stand with our major d-line recruits? Are we in pretty good shape with guys like Gholston (who apparently Coach Rod is also thinking about for linebacker) and Gabe King, or are we going to end up just recruiting a couple three star d-linemen?

-Nate

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

Thanks for the question.

First off, we are concerned about defensive depth at every position for this season. Last recruiting season our defense took several hits, especially when it was obvious that Coach Shafer was not going to be retained, and then we had a period where recruits did not know what or who was going to be coaching the defense. Then throw in the distance factor for some of these recruits, which only made things worse. The 2010 recruiting year needs to bring kids in on defense that can play right away or at least bring better depth than what we have right now.

In fact, Michigan 2009 might be thinnest at safety and there were only three scholarship cornerbacks playing this spring. If people watched the spring game and noticed all the new players that just came in, or all the walk-ons in the second group, they'd have not trouble noticing how thin this defense is right now. Health will be a primary concern this season.

As for defensive line recruiting, Michigan is actively involved with a few quality defensive ends such as Easley from New York and Bryant from Ohio; we have a shot with them.

Defensive Tackles are a different matter. We are not hearing about many defensive tackles at this time. This could change in a hurry, though. It is looking like Michigan is transitioning from a big strong defense to more of a smaller, quicker, more athletic defense.

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

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine


Michigan Spring Scrimmage: Video Highlights (4:02)

Michigan Football Tidbits: More from Coach Rod at his coaches clinic.


Michigan Football Tidbits: More from Coach Rod at his coaches clinic.

Let's start by saying Coach Rod is an excellent clinician. He gives very good information and does it in an interesting way. He is an excellent storyteller. Talking with him, you get the feeling that you are chatting with an old friend.

Here are some tidbits from Coach Rod. No X’s, and O’s--just his beliefs.

Maizeman shared some already, so I almost did not do this. Then I thought--why not? And I added a few things not shared before.

His basic theory:

Get the right people. Pick the right philosophy. Stick with it.

Coaching is coaching; it does not change from one school or conference to the next.

The most overlooked aspect of coaching is strength and conditioning. If you are doing nothing but getting your team in top shape, you will improve your program. For improving teams, conditioning is part of everyday thinking. You must get your players in the best shape. Conditioning needs to be a very important part of your overall mindset!

What he looks for in coaches:

Be in it for Michigan--forget your own agenda.

Get every one pulling the rope in the same direction.

Never hire someone who has not been through the grind.

Coaches are not hired to enable, they are hired to coach.

Key is to get the right players and develop them. The same can be said for coaches.

Coaching at Michigan is easy--teaching how to drive the hills of West Virginia--now that is tough!

Coach to your personality and be yourself.

You cannot coach or play on this team unless you have thick skin.

We like winning too much not to play the best players.

He realizes just how tough last season was!

Never had players quit who were very good--or who made it somewhere else. (in my opinion, this will no longer be true after this year)

Football is the one true team game. Anyone who follows the sport has to agree.

Competitiveness: #1--that means doing workouts, studying film, being everywhere and doing anything you can.

Why would you let one bad play go uncoached if you truly love football?

Never make starters public--even if coaches and players know. And by the way--the real competition at quarterback will not begin until summer. The starter will not be picked until the first game--same as last season.

Star rankings, etc… do not matter at all. Come in, work hard, and play your best!

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

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine


Saturday, April 25, 2009

2010 Michigan Recruiting: Alvin Hall -- Wide Receiver

Alvin Hall from Trotwood-Madison high school in Trotwood, Ohio.



CoachBt/ErocWolverine quick comments: He is a very versatile athlete who could play a number of different positions on either side of the ball. Has good combination of size and speed. Also shows a nice burst and acceleration to go with good ball skills. Needs to watch his pad and bend those knees.


Michigan Spring Scrimmage: Pictures

Gathering after coming out of the tunnel
Huddling up after coming out of the tunnel Touching the Banner
Larry Foote
Larry Foote being introduced to the crowd

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