Mailbag question: Coach Barwis and the off-season

Posted at 4:00pm -- 3/7/2010

Mailbag question: Coach Barwis and the off-season

I vaguely remember reading in 2007 that the WVU football team had 45 players that could clean and press 300lbs with 10-12 that could do 400lbs. I do not know what the exact name of the lift is but its not bench pressing.

I heard the UM team in 2009 had 30 members that could do the same lift at 300lbs.

I'm curious if you know of any specific strength numbers of the team in winter 2010 compared to winter 2009.

Based on winter conditioning, if you had to make a prediction, what position group shows the most improvement during spring practice and why?

I just have to think the returning players, going through a third year with Coach Barwis, are going to pay good dividends. I know our defense has no depth and our secondary could very well start three freshman.

I'm thinking UM could have the 3rd best offense in the conference...behind Wiscy and OSU...what do you think?

Kevin M.
Blueblitz

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

Thank for the question.

We have heard the very same thing about past West Virginia football teams. Coach Barwis informed us that he had players breaking personal records in clean and jerk during the season. He told the clinic he is firm believer in getting stronger as a season progresses.

No exact numbers have leaked our way yet, we hope to get some specifics in the next few weeks. What we are hearing is the team is working extremely hard, is developing a chip on shoulder attitude, and showing improvement in every phase of S&C.

We 100% agree that in the third off-season the S&C should start to show big dividends. With Michigan's depth problems being in top shape is a must.

We see three offenses as better than Michigan going into 2010 season, the two teams you listed and Iowa.

WE have Michigan in the second tier with Michigan State, Penn State, and Purdue.

If Michigan is going to push to top of second tier a running back needs to step forward and be the man and a split end needs to provide a vertical threat.

Our personal biggest questions are with the offensive line. Who replaces the two starting linemen who graduated, and does Michigan go with the veterans or the more athlete young guns that have a higher upside in the long run!

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: Coach Barwis and last season

Posted at 8:00am -- 2/2/2010

Mailbag question: Coach Barwis and last season

Guys -- love your blog. Appreciate your honesty.

My question is about Barwis and his training methods. I haven't seen this topic discussed anywhere, and it might be controversial, but here goes.

Like every other UM fan, I was totally gun-ho before the 2008 season, relieved that Gittleson and the pizza diets were gone, and excited about having "the best conditioned team in America," etc. Seeing evidence of the benefits of those training methods early in the '08 season -- e.g., how much in better shape we appeared to be compared to our opponents in the 2nd half vs. both Utah and Wisconsin -- was encouraging. Then the season went puff, and the opposite happened. That is, UM fell apart in the second half of nearly every game after the 2-2 start.

This past season, 2009, the team was 4-0 and looking stronger in the second half of every game to that point, except in the opener vs. WMU, when it appeared RR deliberately shut down the offense a week before the ND game. After the near miraculous comeback vs. MSU, the same thing started happening again, more and more, as the season went along -- that is, we'd either be close behind or leading at half time, then unraveling completely in the second half.

So, after two seasons under RR and Barwis, two seasons in which the team a) gets worse in the second half of games as the season wears on, and b) just gets worse, period, as the season wears on.

Why is the team running out of gas, if not physically, then certainly emotionally, competitively and spiritually? Are the players physically spent from all the running and training of the previous nine months? Does it all catch up to them by October? Was it just the upperclassmen that fell victim to this, as they weren't used to ANYTHING like the Barwis methods earlier in their careers, and they just hit a wall? Or, is Barwis overdoing it with all of the players? Or overdoing it DURING the season more than other teams do that you know of?

Or is it just a matter of other teams' coaches figuring us out by half time on both sides of the ball, and going for the kill in the second half?

I have no inside knowledge, nor any ax to grind. I've just been trying to find a reason beyond X's and O's and empty cupboards for the unraveling of 2008 and 2009. One season is an anomaly. Two seasons seems to denote a trend -- of something. Thus, I write about my concern on this issue.

Bottom line: How much, if any, of the late-season collapses the past two years are attributable to a Michigan team that is just plain run down by mid-season, because of Barwis' methods?

Thanks,
Melinda M.

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Thanks for the question.

The lack of depth is the number one issue with the team running out of gas, along with the competition level of the teams Michigan played increased over the second half of the season. As a result, over the course of the season a lack of a quality player rotation caught up with the team.

If you check out Ohio State, Florida , or one of the other upper echelon teams, many young, talented players are getting reps and contributing. This rests the starters and gives the back-ups valuable experience, all of this helping and not hurting a team.

This has two advantages as hinted above: number one is that the young players get work, which makes replacing seniors easier, and keeps the starters fresh for crunch time when the game is on the line. Second, the team gets good quality of depth that can help the team and not just have on the team “bodies” to make the numbers look better.

Concerning the part of the question about how the season went. Well it started off well by UM going 4-0, but one must look at the competition. Notre Dame was the only team that broke even (6-6). Lou Holtz, the ultimate Notre Dame homer, had the Irish in the BCS National Championship game before the season started.

Continuing on, the great start was made possible by playing Eastern Michigan, a team that did not win one game last year, along with Western Michigan, a team that had a bad season, and Indiana, a team that Michigan tied with for last place in the Big Ten.

As far as Coach Barwis goes, he is one of the better S&C guys in college football. He has raised the program to a new level and actually has Michigan on par with all the rest of the elite programs in college football, all of which have equally good S&C programs.

The biggest thing that Coach Barwis has done is that he has brought accountability into the S&C program and is part of the reason for the "practice gate" stuff that has come up. The players are expected to show up and be around in the off-season. Remember, in the reports some of the “discussion” had to do with off-season workouts, a responsibility assigned to Coach Barwis. He actually spends more time with the players than the coaches are allowed to by the NCAA rules (he and Michigan are certainly not alone, although do not expect programs to line up and confess to the NCAA).

We believe that Coach Gittleson wanted more control and also wanted the players to be working out more than they were at the end of the Carr tenure, But one of Coach Carr's core beliefs towards the end of his career was that he wanted athletes in the football program to be student-athletes and enjoy a normal college life. He also wanted players to consider voluntary workouts, defined by the NCAA, as just that, voluntary. So under Carr players had to take more of a roll and be the source of decisions regarding showing up for extra workouts, even if it was not asked of them. Some players did take on the extra work, while others took the voluntary part as an excuse and did not put in the extra to become extraordinary.

Whereas, Coach Rod and Coach Barwis have both said things that will insist on players looking at it completely different. Voluntary becomes mandatory without actually coming out and stating this to the players. Again, in contemporary time in big programs, players stay the summer on campus. Coach Rod said "your playing time is also voluntary if you do not show up in the off-season program" and Coach Barwis said "breathing is also voluntary as well, but we do not see you stop breathing".

We have heard rumors that Coach Barwis has cut back some on the running aspects in the off-season and will use more of a getting bigger and stronger approach. This, if so, could mean several things: (1) that the players are nowhere near where the coaches wanted them; as a result (2) the staff is now trying to bulk the players up: or (3) the coaches have conceded that indeed they need a little bit different type of player in the Big Ten and need the players to be bigger and stronger. We have heard the players are spending more time lifting weights, and continue the fun in the Barwis beach carrying other players and continue to pick up and move the old tractor tires. Yes indeed, not a place for the meek or unmotivated.

Still, taking into account everything above about the possible changes in the S&C program, GBMW continues to believe that the biggest concern and goal is adding more quality depth and talent. This should help reduce the second half blues (game and season) this team has demonstrated all too many times. There are certainly other factors involved in the second-half collapse phenomena, such as good adjustments, but again talent rules.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: Training techniques

Posted at 12:00pm -- 1/26/2010



Mailbag question: Training techniques

Everyone considers Barwis to be one of the best strength and fitness coordinators in the country, but it seems to me that the last two seasons UM has had more injuries to key players than usual. I know Barwis stresses that his techniques prevent injuries from happening, but it sure has not appeared that way. Is it possible that his training techniques are doing more harm than good ?

Thanks and keep up the great work

Eric S.

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

Thanks for the question.

We believe strongly that Coach Barwis is very good at what he does. He is a very passionate person who will get anybody energetic and wanting to get in better shape, including some “old players/coaches” when you talk to him. If you ever have a chance to hear Coach Barwis speak, we recommend taking advantage of the opportunity.

In our opinion though, all the top programs have very good strength and conditioning guys who are his (Barwis) equal. Without having a high level strength and conditioning component, a program could slip out of the elite category in rapid order.

We blame the lack of depth and not having superior athletes as much as anything for the injury problems.

Strength and conditioning is a long-term venture, each season should show continued growth, assuming the talent level is sufficient.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Brock Mealer

Posted at 2:00pm -- 1/24/2010

Mailbag question: Several off-season questions (More)

Posted at 12:00pm -- 1/24/2010


Mailbag question: Several off-season questions (More)

4. What happened to the jumbo athlete? Carr collected these guys like they were going out of style, often too many in my mind, but it's hard not to envy his legacy with guys like Aaron Shea, for example. Rich had great success with his fullback at WVU, and he has some killer athletes at TE right now and Moundros and Kevin Grady are relatively athletic FBs. What is going on here?

5. Oh what the heck, I already asked about the other units: does 2010 DL depth scare the bejeesus out of you? RVB-Campbell-Martin is fine, maybe even pretty good, first unit, and Sagesse is a pretty nice backup, but after that ... Terrifying, right? Who is going to play 15 snaps a game as a 3-4 DE? Can't see a freshman up to the task.

6. This is the thing I maybe think about most: how is it possible that our staff, which I still believe (although this is becoming an article of faith, not something I can prove to myself anymore) has some real offensive genius, couldn't teach Shoelace to run the read-option? I thought that was our most basic play. What happened there?

Cheers and go blue!
-DJ

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Thanks for the questions.

4) For all the talk about Owen Schmitt, he only averaged six touches a game over his career. Michigan does not have an athlete on Schmitt's caliber yet. Maybe a Hopkins will step up and be that type of threat.

The biggest thing is West Virginia used him more than what the staff has tried to do with the current roster the past two years. Is this because the coaches are trying to get more talent on the field and using the entire field and all of the players on the field?

The thing with this offense is, the more weapons that you use, the easier it will be spreading and using the entire field We are hoping they can find a deep threat that will stretch the field and get the ball into the playmaker’s hands.

5. We include Roh in this group, also Banks and Henniger will more than likely get some reps. But yes, defensive depth is still a MAJOR concern and something we have been complaining about for two years now.

Getting added depth always helps, but a team also needs to get talented players as well that have the size and ability to come in and play early, and frankly we do not see that right now. Almost all the committed kids we have seen will need a couple of years in Coach Barwis’ system to develop and get bigger and stronger.

We do not have that elite player that can come in and make an immediate impact. Just like Roh did last year. He had to play because of depth and also talent issues. If he would have played for a team like Ohio State we believe he would have red-shirted and been able to get into the S&C program to develop and be ready come the following year.

6. Denard Robinson had been in a traditional pro style offense in high school. Read option was a completely new concept to him. There is limited time and reps available to teach in the summer and fall. It is in the spring where the real teaching can happen.

That was the big learning curve for Denard. because Coach Rod had to teach two players the position and when Tate Forcier came in early and got the added practice time this made it easier to go with Tate and he was the best option at the time to win games.

We will see how much Denard has improved and has actually learned the system over the off-season. The biggest question will be how well will he do now after being in the system and also how quickly does Devin Gardner pick up the position and what does the coaching staff do with him this year.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: After watching the All-Star games

Posted at 8:00am -- 1/15/2010


Mailbag question: After watching the All-Star games

GBMW,

After watching the all-star games on TV this year and seeing the recruits Michigan will be getting, do you guys believe this team can compete with the elite teams in college football?

I like some or most of the players Michigan is getting, but when comparing UM’s class to some of the elite teams we seem to be way behind.

Fred B.

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

Thanks for the question.

There are no guarantees in recruiting. As we have said for a while now, talent is king. Making a high school All-Star game roster does not always translate to success on the field at the next level.

That being said there is indeed a gap between the athletic ability between most of Michigan's recruits and the elite players who played in the All-Star games during the last two weekends. Just take a look at some of the players Florida picked up on the defensive line in the last two weeks and try and compare them to Michigan's defensive line and you will see a big difference in potential and athletic ability.

For example, Austin White is a good player, but we believe he is not close to a Marcus Lattimore, Lache Seastrunk, or Dillion Baxter. Some "expert" has been “informing” Michigan fans that White was the #1 running back on the Michigan coaches’ list and ahead of the above elite recruits.

Where we perceive the biggest difference between Michigan and elites schools is at linebacker and defensive line. Michigan does not have any big stud defensive tackles, like Floyd, or linebackers, like CJ Mosley, who can run and hit like a truck.

Our hope is that with excellent coaching, and Mike Barwis' S&C program, the Michigan recruits will end up being better than those who are today rated higher. Development is key and with Coach Barwis anything is possible. But just imagine if Coach Barwis had some of the elite players we listed above. By the way, Coach Barwis is all for securing top-level talent.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Coach's Corner: Here are some things I would like to see next season -- Part 2 -- Offense

Posted at 8:00am -- 1/8/2010


Coach's Corner: Here are some things I would like to see next season -- Part 2 -- Offense

Offense:

1) Be more physical and make other teams take notice.

This is a major goal of Coach Rod and staff. They all want this team to possess a tough hard-nosed running game. The toughness needed to have a punishing running game was not there last season.

I talked to Coach Frey and he told me one of the biggest misconceptions is that zone schemes are not as physical and typical, traditional blocking schemes.

Coach Frey and Coach Herron (apologies if spelled wrong) want the line of scrimmage moving forwards. In my opinion Michigan would have won two or three additional games if the offensive line had been able to move the line of scrimmage forward into the red zone. Another off-season program with Coach Barwis should help.

2) Produce some big plays, better yet; produce more big plays than the opponent.

When Michigan was 4-0, the offense was creating a ton of big plays. Carlos Brown was breaking long runs and Tate Forcier was hitting big pass plays. Yes, this was against lesser competition, but still it was happening.

There are not many teams that can drive the field consistently against top-level competition. You have to create some long gains. In my opinion that means players like Denard Robinson, Daryl Stonum, Jeremy Gallon, Je'Ron Stokes, and Michael Shaw have to step up.

These are the players with the speed, explosiveness, and burst to create some long plays. At least two, and hopefully more, need to step up and become a home run threat. I would prefer such a threat to be a wide receiver over a running back, but at this time I will not get picky!

3) Ball Security.

This should probably be #1. Until this is fixed, Michigan will struggle. I can guarantee this was emphasized last spring, I saw it. But it has to get done. This team will not win against high-level competition having three or more turnovers a game.

Part 3 of this series will cover the defense

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: Offensive line too thin?

Posted at 12:00pm -- 1/3/2010


Mailbag question: Offensive line too thin?

Hi,

I wanted to say that I really enjoy your website and your insight. Being a former offensive lineman, I have a question.

Do you believe that the Michigan linemen have gotten too lean and need to add some bulk? There are plenty of zone teams that have bigger linemen that can still get to the second level.

Also, do you feel that Coach Rod has underestimated how physical the Big Ten is and do you think he will make any changes as far as size goes?

Thanks and keep up the great work

John

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Thanks for the questions and the nice comment.

Yes we do believe Coach Rod miscalculated what type of linemen it takes to be successful in the Big Ten, and that observation includes both sides of the ball.

We have no problem with the offensive linemen leaning up some, in our opinion they were too out of shape at times in the Coach Carr regime.

We have heard from a few people that we trust and value their opinions that Michigan thru Coach Barwis will adjust the conditioning program to allow the linemen to get bigger and stronger.

From what we have heard, there will be maybe a little less running and more strength training, along with more weightlifting.

Not being able to move the line of scrimmage in the red zone hurt Michigan last season. Hopeful the adjustments we hear about are going to have a positive effect by making the offensive line bigger, stronger, and more physical.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

What Coach Barwis: "Pre-game pep talk" could be

Mailbag question: Fastest way for Michigan to get back

Mailbag question: Fastest way for Michigan to get back

GBMW,

What is the fastest and best way for Michigan to compete again in the Big Ten?

If the Big Ten is really down, like so many say it is, then how long before Michigan can compete nationally against teams like Texas, USC, Florida, LSU, and other top teams?

Harold S.

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

Thanks for the question.

In our opinion the Big Ten is a very solid conference this year.

It does not have an elite level team on par with Florida, Texas, or Alabama, but the Big Ten teams can compete with most of the other teams in any conference.

There are four keys to Michigan returning to elite school status in our opinion.

1) As our friend MaizeMan has been saying for quite awhile: Recruit, Recruit, and Recruit. Being an elite team requires elite talent, no matter what people say about sleepers. Yes, a team can smartly recruit a few that fell between the cracks (no publicity, late bloomers, etc) but most teams that are great year in and year out are where they are because of great talent.

2) Continuing to enhance and improve player development through the off-season strength and conditioning program will help this team improve. Coach Barwis is one of the best around, but he cannot do it all himself. He needs the coaches to land elite talent and also he needs the players to put the time and effort into the collective program.

3) Limit the number of transfers. Player development becomes an even tougher component to master if players are consistently leaving, resulting in Michigan continuing a dangerous cycle of playing with young players every year and not getting any large amount of experience on the field.

4) Michigan needs to put together and keep a top level coaching staff. A great staff can teach and develop players in a manner that equates to success. One simple example would be players who know what they are to do and where to be tackling, time after time.

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

Written by GBMW -- CoachBt and ErocWolverine

Mailbag question: Coach Barwis

Mailbag question: Coach Barwis

GBMW,

I have to ask and this is not to slam you guys, but where is the Coach Barwis effect?

We have been told on how great of a strength coach he is, but frankly I am not seeing it.

Yes the linemen are not fat anymore, but it seems like we are getting handled on the offensive and defensive lines lately.

Or is there more to it?

Is player development lacking somewhere else besides the weight room?

Pam W.

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

Thanks for the question.

No offense taken at all.

We love what Coach Barwis has done at Michigan and we believe he has really turned the culture shock at Michigan around as far as what needs to be done.

The problem is Coach Barwis can only do so much. It is up to the players, coaches, etc. to do the rest. Coach Barwis has always told us when we have talked to him, or seen him at a clinic, that he would rather have the higher rated kids because they have higher potential.

Also we have said that Michigan is now up with the rest of the country as far as dedicated strength and conditioning programs in college football, where it is a demanding all year around deal.

We think the team is definitely improved in the strength and conditioning area.

How many players has Michigan lost to injury compared to last season?

And as you stated Michigan does not have nearly as many large linemen with Dunlap's disease.

We understand your point about Michigan getting the collective fannies whipped at the line of scrimmage; it is a major concern of ours.

We think that has much to do with Michigan's overall lack of size, the defensive line averages about 260 or so a man, and the offensive line is not much bigger.

That was a concern of ours since day one and continues to be.

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

Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

Mailbag question: Craig Roh

Hey man,

With, Craig Roh's recent switch to playing the quick, who do you see stepping in next year to fill B. Graham's vacant position? Would they switch C. Roh back to that spot? If they did I see this as a very poor decision by the coaching staff. With C. Roh's potential I think that he should find his niche and stay there to develop. If they do, in fact, keep C. Roh at the quick, I'm at a loss as to who has the speed and athletic ability to be the pass-rushing DE that we need at Graham's spot. I could see Ken Wilkins developing into that position in a couple years, but he clearly wouldn't be ready by next year. So yeah, who's it gonna be on Saturdays next year when Graham's is no longer making QB's horizontal for the Wolverines?

-Nate

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

Thanks for the question.

Yes, we expect Craig Roh to add weight and strength under Coach Barwises special tutelage.

He is really the only player currently on Michigan 's roster with the skills to play Brandon Graham's position. Of the incoming recruits we think Antonio Kinard has the best chance to play B. Graham's position. Regarding Ken Wilkins, it is reasonable to predict he will man either Obi Ezeh's inside linebacker position or Ryan Van Bergen's defensive end position.

Nate, you are on the money. Craig Roh is a special type of talent, and this talent must be implemented to the maximum potential.

Thanks for stopping by Go Blue Michigan Wolverine
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Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

Parents support the Program:

This is from GBW free board. http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=162&f=2019&t=4681619

Craig Roh's father (Fred).

I am Craig Roh's dad and had the pleasure of experiencing first-hand the recruiting process and first summer with the UM program. I feel obligated to share with readers concrete evidence of the integrity and compliance of the Rich Rod program and staff. My son chose UM because it is one of the few schools in the country that has great football AND academics. He could have gone to UCLA, Cal, Stanford, USC..all great academic schools and he chose Michigan because it had the best of both.

He also selected UM because of the intensity and straight talk of the coaching staff. The first person he met was Mike Barwis. After spending an hour with Barwis, Craig turned to me and said, "He will make me the best I can be. That's what I want." When he met Rich Rod, he was further impressed with his openness and vision. Craig came here BECAUSE of the work ethic that was to be required of him. He WANTS to be pushed to the limits, not coddled and pampered.

He was recruited by Tony Dews. I am here to say that Coach Dews complied with every letter of the rules throughout the entire recruitment process, even the ones that seem senseless. He would not even give me a ride to lunch or pick up a $5 lunch tab because it was against the rules. He informed us of the recruiting rules over and over again. As I watched 35 schools recruit my son, I would put Michigan at the top of the integrity scale when it came to recruiting.

Let's talk about Craig's first summer. Again, Coach Dews made it abundantly clear what we had to pay for and what the school was allowed to pay for, what our responsiblities were and what the school's were. I was tired of hearing about all the rules. It was like dealing with the IRS. There was NO push to report to school early, in fact we were told that if craig wanted to report to summer school early, it was on his dime and totally voluntary. Craig's summer was very balanced. He VOLUNTARILY asked to watch tape as much as he could. Nobody pushed him to do it or even suggested it. He had more free time than he wanted.

Lastly, I know for a fact that Craig missed workouts in the summer and even missed parts of at least three practices at camp so that he could attend class. He was excused with absolutely no repercussions by the coaching staff.

I am assuming that players who choose to come to UM under Rich Rod are coming here BECAUSE its hard. They want to become the best. They want to be pushed. They want great academics and great football environment. I detest the accusations made by the Freep. They think they are doing these kids a favor by easing up the workload and, in reality, they are undermining the very reason the kids chose UM!

Fred Roh

Michigan Football Tidbits: Coach Rod and his approach to football

We here at GBMW have been very consistent and (somewhat humbly patting ourselves on the back) very accurate when describing Coach Rod and his approach to football. And this goes back to day 1

1) Coach Rod is a simple coach. He simply just wants to coach football and gets irritated by anything that does not directly apply to coaching. Some fans have always thought this was a slam when we said it, but it is true he just wants to be a football coach and not partake in the peripherals.

2) Coach Rod has had a very hard time understanding why people come after him and the program, since he previously held and currently holds the belief that every major program in the county has the basic same goal: to win football games.

3) Coach has adjusted (somewhat) to all the political "BS" that comes with coaching at Michigan, although others within the university community have been forced to adjust to him.

The Good and The Bad:

The Good:

1) Coach Rod, although a veteran college football coach, is learning fast that there is more to coaching at Michigan than just blowing the whistle. So he is either going to have to improve in the PR arena (especially if your going to be more open to the media and fans) or he is going to have to re-adjust/change the people around him.

2) Coach Rod is an intense competitor and in some ways this will motivate him even more.

The bad:

1) Credibility is everything in coaching, and now Coach Rod has to again mount a fight to regain this attribute. Even if the accusations are proven to be wrong, or are simply impossible to document, the credibility issue will linger and opponents, whether you call it dirty recruiting or something else. will flourish in the next few years.

2) Coach Rod may decide that he just wants to be at a place that he can be what he is, a football coach. That is what scares me the most.

One final point:

This will blow over in the eyes of the players, some fans, etc. But Coach Rod, or any coach on the staff, including Coach Barwis, will never forget this fiasco. They consider this a personal attack.

Some or all of us here totally agree.

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

Written by MaizeMan and ErocWolverine

Michigan Football Tidbits: Coach Rod is the head coach and is in charge of football program:

Coach Rod is the head coach and is in charge of football program:

However, Coach Rod was forced to defend Coach Barwis who Coach Rod gives complete authority to in terms of workouts and scheduling in off-season and summer.

Barwis (like previously mentioned) is taking this very personally.

Instead of criticizing Barwis, lets look at the following

Barwis:

1) He has completely changed Michigan 's approach to strength and conditioning. This is not a knock on anything that went on previously, but what Barwis has done is the #1 positive to the program.

2) Coach Rod invites any athlete to participate, kids from other sports, pro athletes, former players who just want to work out, and note, he does not charge these highly paid players, nothing, zilch. And speaking of extra time, Coach Barwis leads the way.

3) Barwis, during his clinics, specifically talks about how much the strength and conditioning program can accomplish for a player, but any player who truly does want to excel must find the time on his own to advance. The implication: of course he understands the rules, but makes the facilities available for anyone who wants to work and practice the age-old art of self-improvement.

4) Now we find out that he has started a church group. And guess what position group has the highest percentage of attendees? You guessed it, the offensive line, followed by the defensive line; the two positions Barwis is hardest on.

It is beyond me why people want to bring good people down and Barwis is just that, "good people". We have talked to him at clinics, at football practices, and even at workouts and he will freely give you his time and discuss matters that you want to discuss.

Side Note: Funny how readers can disagree on certain parts of Michigan football, but when someone attacks the program the wagons are circled, both inside the team and within the fan base.

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

Written by MaizeMan and ErocWolverine

Mailbag question: Offensive Linemen recruiting

Hi Guys,

Great blog.

Michigan has a great tradition of NFL lineman. However in the new system lineman are required to do a lot of running. It is my opinion that the joints of big players cannot tolerate the repeated stress, and it shortens their career. Do you feel that this is why we are not landing the 5* lineman like Seantrel Henderson? It would also make sense that other schools negatively recruit against us in this aspect.

Thanks,

Brent

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

Thanks for the question and comments.

Many NFL teams use zone schemes very similar to Michigan's.

The Patriots, Broncos, and Texans come to mind immediately.

We do agree that the amount of running does have a effect on some linemen leaving, and probably not picking Michigan, but you also have to believe that parents seeing this program can see how it will make their kids into a healthier person than just some of these programs where they try and beef these guys up no matter how with eating as many calories as possible.

In the NFL we have watched players for years and then after they get done playing you see a lot of them trying to lose weight because in most cases it is very unhealthy weight and under Coach Barwis these kids for the most part are taking off bad weight and putting on good weight in his program.

At one of the clinics we went Coach Barwis talked about some former linemen that he had at West Virginia when a pro scout came in and said that kid is what 250 pounds and Coach Barwis said no he is at 275 pounds and the scout couldn't believe it because the kid did not have the typical offensive linemen gut on him and you could actually see stomach muscles. He said that is the way kids should look and that he wants these kids to be healthy now not just after they are done playing football. He figures if these kids can develop good habits now they will carry them for the rest of their lives.

A large part of Coach Barwis program is joint stability and function. The work on these two areas should off set any negative effect from the additional running.

Right now negative recruiting is probably happening, but it is up to our coaches to dispel those attacks, but right now the other coaches are telling kids they went 3-9 last year and it will be awhile before they return to what Michigan use to be.

A lot in our opinion comes down to recruiting and battling these other schools and getting these kids on campus and letting them talk with Coach Barwis and see his program up close and personal.

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Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine

Michigan Football Tidbits: About half way

Michigan Football Tidbits: About half way

About half way through, how are freshmen doing?

Those who are ready for college football:

1) Tate Forcier: Even if we wasn't - tough.

2) Denard Robinson: That type of athleticism can play at any age.

3) Vlad Emilien: Probably needs more physical maturity, but his "football smarts" and position of need puts him in the two deep.

4) Vincent Smith: Another kid who seems mature beyond his age.

5) Will Campbell: It may be hard to see, but he has made great progress.

6) Craig Roh along with Vlad Emilien maybe one of those kid who just has "it". And his specialization at a skill that is so needed puts him in the two deep.

7) J.T. Turner: Although haven't exactly blown things up he will progress to a point where he is in two deep by end of camp.

8) Brendan Gibbons: Neck and neck and you never want to have to play a freshman kicker.

Those who really have no business playing (and in most years would not), but probably sees action:

1) Jeremy Gallon: Missing the summer has hurt him. And depth at slot receiver (since Roy Roundtree and now Kelvin Grady is making noise) makes the need for him to play lessen.

2) Brandin Hawthorne: Good football player, but really is a big drop off from Stevie Brown. He could really need a year to develop.

3) Mike Jones: See Hawthorne, but even more need to develop.

4) Je'Ron Stokes: Lack of depth and top production puts him in the top five or six.

Those who really need to red-shirt under any circumstance:

1) Isaiah Bell: Injuries has not been able to go full blast.

2) Anthony LaLota: Very raw, but has shown some progress since spring practices.

3) Teric Jones: Although impressive and probably will be on special teams he is not ready for prime time at cornerback.

4) Cameron Gordon: He is similar to Junior Hemingway and Daryl Stonum so no need to play.

5) Thomas Gordon: Injuries has hindered his participation, another special team player and lack of depth could force him to play. Physically ready, but just has not played much this camp.

6) Michael Schofield: he is an offensive linemen and all offensive linemen should red-shirt, but he is a tough kid and determined to play.

7) Taylor Lewan: A little more athletic that M. Schofield, so left tackle vs. right tackle, but needs another year with Barwis.

8) Quinton Washington: Started slow, but picking it up. He has played a little with second group (mainly because of some injuries), but a definite red-shirt, but future right guard.

9) Fitzgerald Toussaint: No chance.

Note:
Adrian Witty would of been playing, we thought he was that good and Coach Gibson told us that at the spring coaches clinic that he thought the kid would play.

Overall:
A good class with a couple of top players. Long term we like the offensive line group. We like Vlad Emilien and J. T. Turner who could be mainstays for four years.

Couple of observations:
1) Here is a difference between last year and this year. A year ago we could stand on the sidelines and call every play (well almost every play). And it seemed like the kids thought it was a success if they just ran the play. If it was successful or not was secondary.

This year they run all kinds of stuff and although they run the ever popular swing pass to the slot receiver it is not that often and when they do run it, it works.

2) There are times that the holes for the running backs to run through are five yards wide - just huge. We think we could run through them (well maybe a few years ago). Whereas the power running game is designed to wear people out and control the clock this offense is one where the defense could stop the offense on numerous plays, then all of a sudden the running back's run off a fifty yard plus play. At times, it looks more like a track meet.

3) One of the favorite kids and one who we really think in some ways got a raw deal at Michigan is Mark Ortmann. If practice is any indication, we think he has a huge year. And remember, when coaching change happened and Justin Boren was going nuts over Coach Frey, M. Ortmann was one of the kids who was outspoken in terms of "We don't play for a certain coach -- We play for Michigan".

Great kid, who is a perfect example of what a great strength and conditioning program will do. If Barwis was around when M. Ortmann came to Michigan, he would of been a four year starter. Jake Long thought he should of been anyway.

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Written by MaizeMan and ErocWolverine

Michigan Football Tidbit: Regarding the recruiting topic

Michigan Football Tidbit: Regarding the recruiting topic

No doubt Coach Barwis has been a huge addition and contributor. But what some do not understand, or forget, is Michigan was considered the top strength and conditioning program for years under former Coach Gittleson.

It was just in the past five to seven years that Coach Carr surmised that college football was taking the "college experience" away from athletes, in part due to demands on time. A noble assumption, but one that is not followed by big time programs.

It was Carr, not Gittleson, who decided to tone down strength and conditioning, not emphasize spring practice, and not make summer workouts "mandatory.”

This is likely the major contributing factor in why Michigan’s player development has struggled. One could name tons of players with huge upsides, who either did not live up to their potential or did so only very late in their careers at Michigan.

In fact, there were some pro teams who purportedly stayed away from Michigan players. While others, like New England, a team with depth saw an opportunity to really develop some high potential athletes.

It is an argument, both philosophical and actual, which will continue on in high school and college sports. Maybe to some Coach Barwis goes too far. When Coach Rod discusses why and how Michigan players must love football, it is the philosophy of total commitment, not college lifestyle that becomes the guiding light. Players within the Michigan family, and virtually every other major program, must be willing to give up almost all potential free (student life) time. Practice, play, and study will take up the day. As Coach Rod states, this style is not for everyone, read everyone is not willing to pay the price, especially if no rewards are within sight (playing time). And so, you will continue to see defections.

Why is this important? The answer is this philosophical difference has translated into the biggest difference between the Coach Carr and Coach Rod programs. The by-product of this contrast in philosophies is perhaps the biggest "culture shock” Michigan fans have ever encountered.

And so, judging the above assumptions and conclusion to be true, here are a few suggestions:

1) Do not personally criticize any kid who leaves the program. Now if the kid takes shots at Coach Rod and Michigan, while leaving or after leaving, that is another matter. Former team members Evans and Helmuth simply decided that while they really loved Michigan they did not see the value of going through the program and not playing.

2) Expect continual defections. This is going to happen and some may be players who were top recruits coming in. You just never know with eighteen-year old kids how they are going to adjust from high school, where they were basically the "top dog" to the work and change entailed from entering a very demanding program.

We maintain that for incoming freshmen this environment is actually pretty exciting AND very beneficial. Coach Barwis is a very energetic, highly emotional guy, who can motivate any mainstream humanoid. But, as with anything new, time tarnishes the initial excitement.

The above phenomenon is not unique to the Michigan program, but is indeed engendered within similar programs. But Michigan is recruiting kids from all over the country and it is much easier for players at universities to hang around (in most cases) if they are local or have that extra family support.

3) Finally, we want to emphasize while all of us Michigan fans are really happy with this change, keep in mind, when you watch the games and choose to criticize a player, the amount of time and effort that kid is really putting in. We know winning is obviously important, but those of us who are around players daily know that such commitment can be a grind; physically, mentally, and also emotionally. Believe us ... It is not easy.

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Written by MaizeMan and ErocWolverine

Michigan Football Tidbits: Early Thoughts - Part 2

Michigan Football Tidbits: Early Thoughts - Part 2

11) Have we mentioned lately how much we really respect Coach Frey as an offensive line coach. He is really good at what he does.

12) Depending on if Ricky Barnum can get healthy the first offensive linemen off the bench could be Rocko Khoury. Another Michigan kid?

13) Quinton Washington has stated he wanted to play as a freshman. Forget it, he needs a ton of work and think he is starting to understand that. But, the kid is huge and Barwis openly likes to talk about how Q. Washington will be the kid who makes the most progress from year one to year two.

14) Just in ... Stonum has had back to back decent practices including making a very tough catch over the middle while getting slammed by Michael Williams. Competition is a wonderful thing.

15) Just can't get over the Denard Robinson stuff. If the goal is to get best players on the field, it is really amazing to see him take off and seemingly play with people as he runs. Think he may be the fastest kid at Michigan at least in the past ten years.

Think D. Robinson is one of those talents who could play quarterback, running back, slot receiver, wide receiver, or cornerback and do any of them effectively. The key is get him the ball.

They want D. Robinson to spend as much time as possible at quarterback.

16) What worry about? Defending the run. Now maybe defending our offense will makes us better, but we see this as our biggest weakness.

17) Okay know we should not do this, but recruiting is the lifeline of any top college program. And we can argue all we want about star system, but again, we will repeat it is the coaches themselves and Barwis especially who continues to say that the advantage of being at Michigan is they can go after "higher rated kids" and Barwis in almost every one of his speeches uses the phrase "there is just so much you can do with a three star kid, but four and five star kids have much higher potential". These are COACH BARWIS WORDS NOT OURS!!

18) Obi Ezeh probably the player have picked on the most. He believes that this will be the year he lives up to expectations. Reason he thinks the defensive line is going to do its job more consistently which will free him up to make tackles.

19) One last thing, a player who we really respect J.T. Floyd. Right now he is the third cornerback and just refuses to give ground. In fact, he has been playing mostly with the first group since Warren has been banged up a little.

JT. Floyd fits the definition when Coach Rod says he wants kids who "loves football".

20) Regarding the offensive play. Wont be able to determine if our play in practice is because our running game is that good or our defense is not good at defending the run.

In any case going against this offense daily has to make our defense better. This offense when working properly makes you defend the whole field.

21) Jeremy Gallon right now is behind Roy Roundtree (who in our opinion think should start) and Martavious Odoms who seems to have really accepted the challenge of competition.

What we do like with J. Gallon is he catches the ball especially in punt situations. Do not know if he will be our punt returner (you really do not want a freshman doing that). Really think J. Gallon getting to Michigan late hurt him and like Justin Turner is playing catch up to the other guys that have been there since spring or right after graduation. J. Gallon is a talented kid and a perfect fit for slot receiver.

This team will be fun to watch and confident it will play closer to their potential.

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Written by MaizeMan and ErocWolverine

Michigan Football Tidbits: Early Thoughts - Part 1

Michigan Football Tidbits: Early Thoughts - Part 1

Wednesday was probably the most spirited practice this fall. Both groups (offense and defense.) really going at it.

1) Under the Coach Rod tenure (so far) it is amazing how similar the fall and spring campaigns are. Unlike practices under Coach Carr where you saw very little in spring, with Coach Rod the fall practices are just a continuation of spring practices.

So, although there have been some players who are making a move and of course you get to see the new incoming freshmen most of the stuff is still the same.

2) Pick for the surprising players.

Teric Jones. Maybe it is because Justin Turner has just started practices and did not have the value of being around Barwis all summer, but it sure is hard to tell as of now who is ahead of who.

T. Jones actually looks like a better cornerback than he did in some film on offense a year ago. Now keep in mind am not saying T. Jones plays a lot this year, but think he is an example of the type of kid Coach Rod really likes. He plays hard, does not give in to any competition and seems to adapt to anything thrown at him.

Another surprise Cameron Gordon. Now it is hard to say that Je'Ron Stokes early on has outplayed C. Gordon. In fact, C. Gordon's physical play and his willingness to go over the middle has been impressive.

Do not see any move to linebacker in the near future and depending on how things work out if C. Gordon continues to apply himself especially in the off-season he could find himself in the mix by next year. This year hope he red-shirts, but he has been doing some special teams work.

Note: Notice both of the surprise players are Detroit area kids. Have maintained for years that talent is there, it is development that is sorely lacking.

When you understand the conditions and facilities these kids have to play and endure during their high school seasons you will understand whey they are rated lower than athleticism warrants.

3) Most disappointing player, easy one for is Ricky Barnum. Not because of poor play, he just cant stay healthy. But and we have mentioned this before, R. Barnum is going to be a starter at Michigan it just may not be this year.

You can pencil him in for the next three years. There was a time when we worried about R. Barnum and him staying at Michigan mainly because we do not think we have ever seen a kid as homesick and still seems to have not adjusted completely. But now he really has no complaint he just has not been able to compete and that means David Moosman will start.

4) Strength of team (at least against our own players)the running game. There will be three or four plays when defense holds the offense then all of a sudden a 30 to 40 yard play.

Except for Troy Woolfolk speed in the secondary is a little concerning at least against our running back's. Carlos Brown and Michael Shaw especially when they get past the first wave it is a while before they are tackled.

5) My award for just staying with it Kevin Grady. Have a new found respect for K. Grady. Most kids would have given up and keep in mind he constantly hears from his dad how unfair Michigan has been over the years.

Despite all of this, K. Grady is going to play a role this year and is in the game a lot in short yardage. And nobody can say he has loafed through the Barwis workouts because he really looks quick and strong.

6) Thomas Gordon is banged up, nothing much, but once again here is a kid from Detroit very low rated, but this kid can play. He is a good athlete and very physical. He may be along with Williams are most physical safety on roster.

7) Okay am not convinced. Denard Robinson can run. Best thing to me about D. Robinson is we do not have to play against him. He is the type of player in the past who would have 300 yards himself against us.

His biggest issue is his footwork when passing the ball. His ball will sail or lose velocity because of this. He really is about the same size as Tate Forcier, but mechanics in quarterback play (something Coach Loeffler constantly preached when at Michigan) is so important and D. Robinson just needs to develop.

8) In the last three practices the Tight End's have been used.

9) Remember when Roth played at Iowa? That is Craig Roh almost identical. The guy is relentless in rushing the quarterback, really quick off the line.

Now he will really struggle defending the run, but it is going to be really interesting to watch this kid once he has a year or two under Barwis. Cannot remember a kid at Michigan for a long time who has his tenacity when it comes to rushing the quarterback.

10) Do not look now, but there was a couple plays that Brandon Smith was used at the spinner position. Not sure if that is where he stays, but they sure like his ability to defend the pass something that Brandin Hawthorne or Mike Jones struggle at times.

And Isaiah Bell is banged up so who knows? Just maybe he has found a spot. He does also play linebacker at times, but he is 5th on the depth chart right now.

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Written by MaizeMan and ErocWolverine