Michigan Football Tidbits:

Anything new with the team? Based on this week so far look for the following

1) Butler:
Could we actually have a Butler sighting? It's possible this weekend against Purdue. Butler seems to like playing Defensive End and Coach Rod and defensive coaches like the athleticism he brings.

In addition, we are playing three spread teams in a row, which may mean Butler could play in certain situations. Look for him (if he does play) to be primarily a pass rusher. However, these recent developments could change my mind in terms of him returning his senior year. Wont really know until off-season and big question will be does he want to go through another Barwis off-season. With our lack of depth and youth at Defensive End next year chances are now 50/50.

2) Linebacker position:
Could be interesting to watch this weekend. Main reason everyone now seems to be healthy. Painter and Evans both back practicing full blast and of course there are some who want to see Fitzgerald in the rotation. Coaches really did not give up on either Painter or Evans they both were hurt and have been dinged up for almost a month now.

3) Williams:
Is becoming a player coaches really like at either Linebacker or Safety and was suppose to be big part of game plan last Saturday until injury. Right now with Linebacker's getting healthy and our lack of depth in secondary you could see Williams playing both this Saturday (if he is cleared to play).

4) Mike Shaw:
Okay this Saturday could be his big chance so let us hope he does not fumble. Injuries have been a issue, but also Coach Rod who watches Running Back's very closely has not been impressed with Shaw’s (patience) as a runner. He wants to go too fast too soon, this has created situations where he put himself in a position to not read the play properly, and ends up getting hit which causes the fumbles. If he has a good week of practice they want to give him a good shot this weekend

Side note:
While posters like me would really like to see some of the younger kids or kids like Patterson to get a shot Coach Rod has told the team he will play some other kids as long as he feels they put Michigan in the best position to win. The big reason is when he preaches, "you earn your spot every day" it would go against his coaching to allow someone to play in a game just to see how he does so they will have to earn in during practice.

5) Something I have not mentioned before, but for those kids who are red-shirting the season is somewhat different than in years past. Not only do these kids participate on the "scout team", but also they actually go through something similar to an off-season program with Barwis. Red-shirting at Michigan under Coach Rod is not a great deal in some respects those kids are asked to do double duty.

6) Speaking of those freshmen:
I have mentioned recently that word is O'Neill seems to coming on in the past month. I stand by that statement and he will be one I will closely observe during spring practice. Whether he is ready to play next year is still in doubt, but there is no doubt that if Frey had his wish someone would step up in order to move Schilling inside to Right Guard. Schilling by the way prefers to stay at Right Tackle.

7) Coaches:
They are well aware of a losing season really opens the door for competition to go after Michigan's existing recruits. At this point they are somewhat confident they can maintain almost all existing commits, but understand they have to keep recruiting them very hard.

8) Every year:
It is interesting to see whom the coaches like to use in freshmen class to help with recruiting. Early returns are that B. Smith is one of coach’s favorites and really believe he is going to be a good player at Michigan. Coaches really think we need a lot more depth in defensive secondary and Smith will provide that next year. Smith was host to Vlad this weekend and coaches seem to think Vlad is possible, but may not be probable. He seems to really like Wisconsin if Ohio State does not offer. But Michigan will keep recruiting him hard. Smith however seems to be one of those kids others gravitate towards maybe a future leader on this team.

9) Just a comment from a coach:
It is possible that over half to 2/3 of the starters next year will be either sophomores, red-shirt sophomores, freshmen, or red-shirt freshmen. Therefore, while this year’s team is young we may be even younger next year.

written by MaizeMan and ErocWolverine