2011 Michigan Football Recruiting: Dee Hart

Posted at 8:00am -- 6/22/2010

2011 Michigan Football Recruiting: Today’s Spotlight on Dee Hart

Dee Harts improvement from the sophomore film to junior film is striking. One reason, among many, for this improvement is simple physical maturation. Hart is noticeably thicker in the thighs and has not lost any of his quickness or acceleration. He has excellent hands catching the ball out of backfield and maintains good body lean and pad level.

What impressed GBMW the most were Dee’s super hips, he cuts on a dime with no loss of speed. More than the recent running back recruits, Dee is a great fit for the Michigan zone schemes.



Why is Dee Hart important to Michigan recruiting? The Rich Rodriguez (Michigan) version of the spread offense depends heavily on two positions, quarterback and tailback. For this offense to be clicking points off at a high pace, both the quarterback and running back must be of the highest caliber, at least near All-America talent level. Two guys who can take it all the way on any given play, in any given yardage situation, is what makes the offense click. With moderate talent at quarterback and running back, ball control goes out the window and only moderate or even flat mediocre results will result.

Michigan has improved at the quarterback position and the next two years could bring a performance level nearing Pat White (time will tell). But the running back position is not of the same ilk. Vinnie Smith is a nice control runner that can frequently get 2-5 yards (maybe UM could actually benefit more from control than the quick strike). But Vinnie is not going to break Slaton type runs. None of the other running backs have proved much, period. Give some credit however, the entire stable was working very hard this spring.

Dee Hart can take it to the house better than anyone on the current roster. He has a lot of talent and like Vinnie Smith and Jeremy Gallon is a very good athlete who can play football.

Dee Hart would give this offense a chance of being a true two-headed monster. One head may not be enough to get the team to the next level.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: Recruiting Ohio and battling Ohio State

Posted at 8:00am -- 6/4/2010

Mailbag question: Recruiting Ohio and battling Ohio State

Hey guys, it appears that most of the recent commits we receive a verbal from in the state of Ohio often times do not have an offer from Ohio State. Why is that? Is it that OSU gives offers only to the most talented players or are the Michigan guys just under the radar?

For example, neither Greg Brown, nor Chris Rock hold offers from Ohio State and that kind of bothers me. Your thoughts?

Dwain P.

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

Thanks for the question.

In our opinion the reason is very simple, Michigan and Ohio State use completely opposite philosophies and systems that require different types of athletes. Also, at this time Ohio State is one of the nation’s elite programs with BCS bowl games, including the recent Rose Bowl, several National Championship games, and five straight Big Ten Championships.

Another thing to consider is that Ohio is loaded with talent where most of the kids bleed scarlet and grey. Yes, there are a lot of Michigan fans in Ohio, but lately Ohio State has been winning what matters -- "The Game" and that helps in recruiting as well.

Also, there are high school coaches that push kids to a certain school, which happens everywhere in America, but this seems to happen a lot more in the state of Ohio.

Now on to the style of play, which makes a difference as well.

Ohio State is still running more of a pro style offense that utilizes big, physical offensive linemen who can move the line of scrimmage forward.

Michigan is primarily a zone blocking team that is also physical, but does not require the same type of movement that Ohio State does.

Just look at the type of linemen Ohio State has recruited in the last three years, Mewhart, Shugarts, Hall, and Brewster. They are all large, physically imposing linemen.

By comparison Michigan has brought in Lewan, Schofield, and Pace, all linemen we like who may end being the equal of Ohio State's, but when recruited they did not possess the same level of physical maturity, with Washington being the one exception.

On defense, Ohio State is looking for large defensive tackles that can compare with the type they played against vs. LSU and USC, big physical players who can move the line of scrimmage and command double teams.

Michigan is playing more of a movement defense that relies on quickness and movement creating an advantage to counter the larger offensive lines in the Big Ten.

At running back, Ohio State is still running a ton of I-formation and seven-yard deep tailback; the Buckeyes like running backs who run between the tackles with the shoulders square and can see and hit the cutback lanes.

Michigan, inside and outside the tackle area, looks for running backs with different skills.

At slot receiver, Ohio State likes the Gonzo and Stoneburner types who can cause mismatches with a combination of size and athletic ability.

Michigan uses smaller slot receivers who use speed and shiftiness to cause mismatches with overhangs.

By the way, Brown and Rock are solid and are players most D-1 schools would readily tender an offer.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: Tate Forcier "what if"

Posted at 8:00am -- 5/27/2010

Mailbag question: Tate Forcier "what if"

Hello GBMW,

Do you guys see a chance this year that Tate Forcier could drop down to the third string quarterback?

If that happens do you guys think he will be around next spring.

I realize this is a lot of in the future talk, but I think with what I saw of Devin Gardner and your reports from spring practice on how Denard Robinson did this spring that Tate might be the third brother from the Forcier family looking for a different team than the one they committed to out of high school.

Sam
"Sambro"

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

Thanks for the question.

We are not ready to completely, or partially write off Tate Forcier.

He is a very proud, competitive athlete, who will not give up the starting job without a fight. Tate has some qualities that serve him well has a college quarterback. First, he has well-above average mechanics. Second, Tate is very accurate. Third, he is smart (do not confuse that trait with freshman quarterback read and execute problems. Finally, Tate also has more experience than his two competitors combined.

We will look into the crystal ball and let us just say that if Tate Forcier ever became the third quarterback on the depth chart, it certainly would not be a shocker that he would consider transferring.

The same competitive attitude that makes us hesitant to write Tate Forcier off will make it tough for him to sit and watch others play, especially after starting the his entire freshman football season.

One thing about this quarterback battle, especially in this offense, a spread team that emphasizes running needs several players ready for action.

Like many coaches have always told back-ups, "you are only one play away from being the starter.”

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Football: Tate Forcier every snap during spring scrimmage

Posted at 4:00pm -- 5/26/2010

Michigan Football: Devin Gardner every snap during spring scrimmage

Posted at 4:00pm -- 5/24/2010

Mailbag question: Coach Rod, Coach Kelly and drama

Posted at 8:00am -- 5/24/2010

Mailbag question: Coach Rod, Coach Kelly and drama

I have heard different stories regarding Kelly out of Cincinnati. One version is he refused an offer to coach at Michigan, the other is completely opposite, that Michigan snubbed him and now he is out for blood when Notre Dame plays Michigan.

A few random thoughts. We have to give all the love and support to Coach Rod. Can all of this pressure make him not the man he truly is? I mean I hope he plays to win, and does not crack under the pressure and plays not to lose. Thoughts?

Also Michigan was not as bad as people thought last year... What was it, 3 of the top ten in country were from the Big Ten? Wishful thinking, but if Mallet stayed and Boren, and Molk stayed healthy, the results might have been quite different.

Last question, it appears that all the drama is hurting the 2011 recruiting class, which is the death knell for any program. Or does the 2011 class progress appear normal to you?

Like your blog, appreciate the straight forwardness of it!

Scott W.

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

Thanks for the question and comments.

1. This Coach Kelly question has been aroundsince Coach Carr retired. To the best of our knowledge, Coach Kelly was never a candidate for the Michigan job. We are sure he will use this to motivate his team, as any good coach would.

2. Coach Rod has his own system and coaching philosophy. From what we can observe, he is confident that given time he can implement this system and be successful. Pressure is part of the job; if pressure influences how a coach does his job he is doomed to fail in our opinion.

3. Sure, if Michigan gets a couple of breaks they could have easily been 9-3. But they could have just as easily been 3-9 again. Our problem is that in the last two years UM folded when things got tough. This has to change, period.

4. Negative recruiting is just recruiting. Pointing out your strengths compared to an opponent’s weaknesses is just normal football recruiting.

In our opinion the #1 thing Michigan can do to gain recruits is win (and qualify for a bowl game). Wins will take care of most of the "negative" recruiting problem.

What one person thinks is negative recruiting could be just smart recruiting to another person. Also, every college coach in America tells people they don't negative recruit, but at some point in time they do, by either telling a recruit he would fit better at their school, either by classes/major/academic program, distance, playing time, etc...

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Football: Denard Robinson every snap during spring scrimmage

Posted at 4:00pm -- 5/23/2010

Mailbag question: Denard and Tate

Posted at 8:00am -- 5/21/2010

Mailbag question: Denard and Tate

Gents!

I haven't seen this asked yet and wanted to get a different take on this question than I normally see.

After the Spring Game, you guys gave us your thoughts on Denard and Tate, etc. However, the question still gets kicked around, who starts? Who is leading in the QB competition? Now I know you guys don't like to speculate, but I have to ask you to do it anyway!

In my opinion, Denard looked amazing in the Spring Game. Now I know people have been arguing, "I'll wait to see in the fall, he was playing against the second string D", yada, yada, yada. I understand all of this, but you still have to make the throw to the receiver. You still have to feel the pressure and elude it to get out of trouble and head up field. You still can't question the amazing amount of speed and burst the kid has when he takes off, regardless if he was against the first string or second string D. Also, I think Denard tucks the ball well when he is trying to scramble and for me that is a big key.

Tate looked a little better than last year. However I felt that he was at a slight disadvantage. He did play against the First String D with a Second String O-line (not sure I can use this as an argument. I thought Tate made some nice drives and that he passed the ball well (except a few) and that he ran out of the pocket well (sometimes a little too quick). The issue I see with Tate (which isn't a secret) is that he handles the ball like a loaf of bread and gets "Crazy Legs" sometimes.

So, given what you have seen, do you think Denard is in the lead to start? Do you think it makes a difference that he was against the second string D, especially after I said it makes a difference that Tate was against the first string D? Do you think Tate is behind and if so, do you think he can make up enough ground on Denard at this point? Do you think that Tate being a stronger leader (vocally) puts him in a better position to see the field more than Denard? How do you guys see things at this time, what is your take?

I would really appreciate your evaluation of this and break down of how you guys see things playing out. Maybe even break it down into "If this, then this happens", but "if this happens, then this happens". As you can see, I am really trying to pick your brains right now to get an in-depth look at what you guys think, as you can see your opinion matters to some of us!

Thanks for the hard work, keep it up!!
Bruce

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

Thanks for the question.

Coach Rod has made the present public assessment of the quarterback competition very clear: the real competition for the quarterback position will not happen until summer ends and fall begins.

Coach has stated that the eventual starter will not be determined until weekly preparations for the first game. He is adamant that the best player plays, period, and rarely at this time makes the starters public, even if he and the staff know. Coach Rod has stated that even if he and the staff know, and the players know, he most likely will not tell the media.

This keeps competition going and a time-tested strategy to maximize improvement through rough competition. We are in 100% agreement with this philosophy. In our opinion it is the only way to treat quarterbacks, and players in general, that are remotely close in competition.

That said, we all strongly agree that overall Denard Robinson had the best spring, and if the season started tomorrow he would be the starter.

Last year, Denard Robinson, without any doubt, was the most dangerous offensive weapon Michigan had at times. He still has to get on the good side of the learning curve and will need to have a great summer to keep alive his chance of starting right out of the gate against UConn.

It is really not a jolt to observers to say that Denard Robinson is leading in the clubhouse. So going into summer workouts and fall practices, Denard is likely to be the number one quarterback, followed by Tate and then Devin.

Our practice reports from this spring indicated that Denard was clearly the better quarterback in six of the seven practices we attended.

Others were stating that Tate Forcier was just being held out to give Denard Robinson more snaps with the first group to learn the offense (reportedly also due to shoulder injury). That is not what we observed. Tate’s arm did look a little weak early on, but it seemed to improve in a short time. Denard played because he played very well and was difficult to defend. Michigan’s defenders have a clear verdict of who they hate to try to defend as during spring practices when Denard was in the game the defense could not stop him and admitted so when coming off the field. Relating content of an earlier article, several of us were standing on the sideline by the defense when players were coming off the field stating "all they have is Denard" and we need to contain him. The defense clearly didn't feel as threatened or worried when Tate was in there.

Please keep in mind that in all of our spring reports it was the first group vs. the first group most of the time, and only for the spring game was it first group vs. second group. So, we got a good look at both quarterbacks going up against the first group defense and the observations also included Devin Gardner who impressed as well. But, again, Devin has a lot to learn, especially when the playbook gets expanded and the defensive coverages get tougher to read as well.

Time is always a factor and things happen, both expected and unexpected. It is still a long time until the first snap against UConn.

We believe the quarterback position is a lot better off today compared to two years ago, or even last year at this time. UM now actually has three quarterbacks capable of running this offense. All three are fine athletes.

People need to not go to sleep on Devin Gardner either. He might not be the "guy" this year, but for sure he will be a clear threat to the other quarterbacks come next year. We could see Devin being worked into this offense similar to how Ohio State did with Pryor as a freshman.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: Big Man's Game

Posted at 8:00am -- 5/18/2010

Mailbag question: Big Man's Game

Hello fellow Wolverines, great job of keeping us informed, thanks, I look forward to a better and interesting year of Michigan football.

Now the question, over my many years of watching Football, pro and college, I have always known that it is a big man's game. It seems to me that Michigan was always good with a big team, true it is ok to have some little guys at certain positions, but I believe that DL, OL, RB's to a certain extent, and LB's, in most cases, need some natural size.

Many top level teams bring in kids at their natural position and usually with good size, adding 10 to 15 lbs is not bad, but when you need to add 20 to 40 lbs just to see the field that could be a problem. With all of that said why does Michigan/Coach Rod continue to look at smaller athletic guys rather than bigger talented players? This recent trend could be even more of an issue since Michigan is in the tough B10.

I sure hope that Coach Rod's strategy works out for us all and that we can stop the run and compete against the strong power running teams of the NCAA (Tex, Wisc, Penn St., OSU, Mich. St., LSU etc.)

It will be super interesting to see how the DL develops, mainly watching Big Will, Ash, Black and Talbott grow into monsters on the field

Gary C.
WolverTITANbeast

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

Thanks for the question and the comments.

It should indeed be an interesting, albeit drama-laden year for Michigan football, especially with all the current speculation related to the Michigan “situation.” Pundits, sideliners, experts, etc. predict anywhere from 5-7, again, to 9-3 for this coming year. This is a very critical year; not only for Michigan football but also for Coach Rod and the direction he is taking the program. Yes, indeed, the obvious has once again been restated above.

Now let us go on to your question. Members of the GBMW staff are affirmed believers in big, physical offensive linemen that can move the line of scrimmage backwards, combined with super athletes at running back.

We have seen a tweak in the Michigan coaches’ approach to the size of the offensive linemen. When the coaching staff first took over, the stated strategy was recruiting smaller, quicker type linemen that can execute a quick, first step. Recently, over the past six months, we all have been hearing from the coaches a change in course, somewhat, by proclaiming a need for the O-line to get bigger. It appears that this has indeed happened as many look (from very up close) at least 10-15 pounds bigger than last April. Frankly, it is nice to be able to see a distinct difference between the offensive linemen and the linebackers/tight ends. Some of the offensive linemen on the roster currently are not much different than what was typical for past rosters, leading to our belief that most of the offensive linemen could now play in any scheme.

GBMW also likes a combination of big, strong wide receivers, combined with smaller, more nimble slot receivers. What we would like to see on the Michigan roster are, at the very least, a couple of players that are true deep threat receivers. This assumes that the offensive design and quarterback play could get them the ball on a consistent basis to back up the defense. Devin Gardner is probably the best choice as regards being able to move the safeties and linebackers back into deeper pass coverage by hitting passes downfield.

On defense our staff are all true believers in having strength up the middle, that is, being strong between the hashes, with tackle, linebacker, and safety play.

The staff likes defensive tackles that can command double teams, combined with long and explosive defensive ends capable of getting up field. The defensive line shows some promise and possibly depth, but the soon to be arriving freshmen may or may not provide help for finding true edge rushers needed to help out the defensive backs.

There still remains doubt that has not really been alleviated by some standard, operational window dressing, regarding linebacker play and depth. Great, contending defenses are built first from the linebacker spot.

The final simplified summary goes thusly: size is needed in the trenches and our preference is a combination of size and athletic ability at skill positions.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: MSU Ratings

Posted at 8:00am -- 5/10/2010

Mailbag question: MSU Ratings

Hello,

I recently read your response to the poster Ted M’s. position group question.

What I wanted to know is if it would be possible to put the position groups in perspective by comparing them to MSU. I think that this would be beneficial to give readers and fans a baseline.

Thank you,

Sean G.

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

Michigan State vs. Michigan-baseline comparisons

Offense:

Quarterbacks:
Denard Robinson is a better athlete and runner than Michigan State's Cousins. Cousins is a better thrower than any of Michigan's quarterbacks at this point. This is real close, Michigan's quarterbacks have a higher ceiling and Michigan has better depth, Cousins is more refined at this point and is by the general population underrated, he can play, make no mistake.

Advantage: Push

Running Backs:
Michigan's stable of backs against Michigan State's Baker, Caper and Nick Hill.

Advantage: Michigan

Tight Ends:
Sims is a great athlete, but so are all three of Michigan's tight ends.

Advantage: Michigan

Split Ends:
The strength of Michigan State’s offensive unit is the split ends, Dell is very good, along with Cunningham. Michigan’s youngsters are tall and catch the ball well.

Advantage: Michigan State

Offensive Line:
Michigan's best linemen are young and have high ceilings for improvement. Michigan State's crew is solid at pass protection, but not so good at run blocking.

Advantage: Slight advantage- either way, so maybe a push, the actual performance is close, Michigan's group has a higher ceiling.

Defense:

Defensive Line:
The strength of both lines is defensive tackle. Michigan State has two very big and very good defensive tackles, Michigan counters with Martin and Campbell. Michigan State generated a better pass rush last year.

Advantage: A slight advantage is given to Michigan State, but Michigan could catch and pass them here, depending on the performance of the back-ups and the health of both starting groups.

Linebackers:
Jones is flat out a high level football player and Michigan State has three youngsters who can play. Michigan linebackers have to play much better for this season to be a success.

Advantage: Michigan State

Secondary:
Michigan's cornerbacks were solid, but still have little depth, the safeties continue to be a work in progress, especially against the pass. Michigan State's secondary had multiple picks last year.

Advantage: Michigan State

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: Ratings

Posted at 8:00am -- 5/6/2010

Mailbag question: Ratings

How would you access Ohio State's Football team, as far as positions, compared to Michigan?

Eric S.

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

Thanks for the question.

Ohio State vs. Michigan

Quarterbacks:
Pryor is an outstanding athlete and a potential #1 round pick in the NFL. Michigan has three potentially good quarterbacks, with Devin Gardner having a chance at being special.

Advantage- Ohio State, with Michigan having superior depth. The advantage here is earned because there is only one Pryor type athlete in the country at the present time, and he plays for Ohio State.

Running Backs:
Michigan showed in the spring three running backs that have a chance to get the majority of carries. Ohio State returns all three running backs from last season, and all three can run for over 100 yards in a given game.

Advantage- Ohio State, but by a large amount.

Tight Ends:
Michigan has three superior athletes playing the position; Ohio State has one superior athlete and a big body who is a great blocker.

Advantage- Michigan

Wide Receivers:
Michigan has two good slot receivers and a third who could also be special. Ohio State has a nice stable of good split ends.

Call this one a push; Michigan has an advantage at slots and Ohio State the advantage at wide receiver. Ohio State can get the ball down the field for the big play to the wideouts.

Offensive Linemen:
This position group is not a strength of either program at this point. Both programs have the very real possibility of being very good down the road, maybe even sooner than later.

Advantage- Ohio State today, but the Michigan linemen have a very high ceiling and a chance to catch up and go past their counterparts.

Defensive Line:
Ohio State’s front four has a chance to be special, Heywood could be a top-pick in the draft. The defensive tackle depth could be better but the starters are solid. Michigan has a very good nose tackle and not much of a pass rush.

Advantage- Ohio State

Linebackers:
In our opinion it has been Ohio State's superior play at linebacker and safety that has lead to their advantage over Michigan in the Coach Tressel era. It does not change this season.

Advantage- Ohio State, big-time

Safeties:
It was no accident that the only year Michigan beat Ohio State in the Coach Tressel era was when Ohio State lost Nickey. Ohio State again has to replace two safeties. Michigan is again very young and inexperienced at safety. Ohio State is moving three players back to safety to try and make up for graduation. Remember, this is a team that signs up to four safeties a year, so the cupboard is far from bare.

Currently this is a push, talent and coaching will determine whether one group leaps ahead of the other.

Cornerbacks:
Michigan has two solid starters at cornerback, as does Ohio State. The difference is Ohio State has superior depth. A team needs at least three premium cornerbacks.

Advantage- Ohio State

Kicking:
Both teams are struggling at punter this spring, but both will work it out likely by Big Ten time. The placekicking is a clear advantage, over the long haul, for OSU.

Advantage-This tree needs to shake in the wind a little before an advantage is claimed, same with the return units, where both teams have very skilled talent.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Football: Michael Schofield Interview

Posted at 4:00pm -- 5/4/2010



on YouTube
from mgovideo -- The Wolverine

Mailbag question: Why should I be optimistic?

Posted at 8:00am -- 5/4/2010

Mailbag question: Why should I be optimistic?

Based on what I have read from multiple sources, it seems like the defensive backfield needs work, the offensive line couldn't open holes for the running backs, the running backs were inconsistent, the wide receivers are not dominant, the pass rush was weak and linebacker play is a continued question. Why should I be optimistic for the upcoming season?

Peter F.

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

Thanks for the question.

Well we hope it is because you love Michigan football and if you cannot be at least a little optimistic after spring practices when can you be?

Realistically, in our opinion, Michigan will be improved and if they can stay healthy it should show it on the field. The base question is of course how much (if any) will the team be improved. And the answer to that question has miles to go before any narrowing of prediction should be made. The answer will be multivariate in nature and will include often spoken (but true) tangibles such as injuries, a little luck, ability to overcome adversity, ability to win the close games, and (likely primarily) continued improvement. Add to this a better job of playing and coaching in the second half of games.

We still are looking at 2011 as a realistic possibility (not certainty) to again compete for Big Ten Championships and beyond.

This year the schedule, in our opinion, favors Michigan quite well. UConn comes to Michigan, they are a good team with many returning players back, but playing at home should help.

UM plays at Notre Dame, where anything can happen, but the Irish are changing over to a spread type offense under Coach Kelly and also will be breaking in a new, but talented, quarterback to go with a new system. This transition may or may not be similar to that of Michigan three years ago when Coach Rod arrived in Ann Arbor.

Thereafter UM plays UMass and Bowling Green at home with a road game at Indiana.

Michigan in the middle of the schedule plays two Big Ten teams at home in a row, Michigan State and Iowa, both should be very good teams, but Michigan should be able to play with just about everybody in the Big Ten this year and playing at home should help.

At Penn State, especially if the game is at night, is always a tough game. Once again PSU will be breaking in a new quarterback, one who will be selected from a good talent bank.

Playing Illinois at home (new Illini quarterback) should be a redemption game. Playing at Purdue should be a game that Michigan needs to make a statement and say enough is enough, turn the corner and win games at this level of the Big Ten.

Playing Wisconsin at home helps, but the Badgers are always a tough, solid team and once again it will come down to the factor of how well Michigan does in stopping the Wisconsin running game. This could end up being a big game down the road.

As always, Michigan finishes the season with Ohio State. Playing at OSU is always tough and this game could be a game that could send OSU to the BCS National Championship Game, or at least to the Rose Bowl and another Big Ten title. OSU is the absolute favorite to win the league again.

Truthfully, Michigan can play with everybody on the schedule this year. This does not mean the Wolverines will beat everyone, but they can play with these teams this year, or should be able too.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: Position Groups Grades

Posted at 8:00am -- 5/2/2010

Mailbag question: Position Groups Grades

Hey Guys,

What is your overall take on each position group?

I realize that this might be a long question/answer for you guys so maybe you can make it into a series or something without the question.

I thought I remember a breakdown last year of each position group and your feeling towards that group going into the fall.

Ted M.

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

Thanks for the question.

Here is a quick version for each position group as determined through spring practice. Here is a reminder of our grading scale. Of course, there is always error and debate about any such grade designation.

A = Great
B = Good
C = Average/Okay
D = Poor/Need Help
F = Hope and Pray for a great recruiting class at that position

Tight End:

The players in this group are extremely talented, possibly having the best skills for their position of any group on the Michigan roster. Of concern is that regardless of the talent, this group must perform (make a play and catch the ball) when the opportunity arises, even though opportunities have been somewhat infrequent. Other groups are in a similar but lesser situation, namely the slots and the wideouts.

Our Grade: B

Split Ends:

One observation that comes to mind is this group has good height. They could be a part of a successful basketball team. A second is the young guys have very good hands. A final thought is only one of them, Stonum, has the speed to stretch the field in our opinion.

Our Grade: C+

Slot Receivers:

There certainly is much more talent at this position that when Coach Rodriguez arrived. None of the talent has yet to step up to impact level. Odoms is very solid, Gallon has the potential to be a big play guy, Grady and T. Robinson are nice depth on the roster. These guys must catch the ball, as the offense does not function well on 2-10, 3-8 type of situations after drops. If Roundtree plays primarily at slot, this adds to the effectiveness of the overall group, since he is used to catche the ball downfield at not at the line of scrimmage.

Our Grade: With Roundtree as a slot B, without B-

Offensive Line:

This is the deepest group on the team. The offensive line can go nine deep and still compete at a good level. We were impressed with the overall improvement of the group. They are still a year away from being well above average in our opinion. Remember, last year most thought this was an exemplary unit and look what happened. Let us hope Molk is 100% back. But the athleticism has clearly improved which enhances the opportunity for future gains.

Our Grade: C+ with a chance to go much higher.

Quarterback:

The athletic ability is off the charts and now the offense finally has quarterbacks with the skills needed to run the offense. As with the receivers and slots, the quarterbacks must do their share to improve the passing game.

Our Grade: B-

Running Back:

A solid but unspectacular group; all are capable of getting the job done. This group does lack a go-to type runner that can carry a game and make life easier for a quarterback. But even with a committee, not one running back this spring stood out from the rest of the pack. One would have a good day and then soon after have a bad day, and so this group is still a work in progress.

Our Grade: C+

Defensive Line:

This is a solid workman group that really missed Martin this spring. He will be needed to raise their grade. The one thing that concerns us right now is the lack of a pass rush. Something that has been discussed for a year – this remains troubling in our opinion. But the group was better against the run, hopefully not because of mediocre Michigan backs.

Our Grade: C+, with Martin a B- or B is quite possible.

Linebackers:

Here we go again, it seems like every spring we see some hope at linebacker only to be disappointed when games start in the fall. We are waiting until we see how they play against teams that use tight ends, H-backs, or lead fullbacks before getting too excited.

Our Grade: C

Cornerbacks:

The starters are solid, but the overall lack of depth is concerning right now, and counting on true freshman. Especially in the defensive backfield is not a good thing. This can be a nightmare when you are hoping true freshman play like upperclassmen.

Our grade C+

Bandit and Spur:

These guys have been solid against the run, but remain a major work in progress against the pass. We all have to remember that this spring we did not see a lot of downfield passing or a vertical passing attack by the offense, so the defense never really played on their heels or were put to the test.

Our Grade: C

Free Safety:

Vlad's knee was a big hit, he never moved as well late as he had earlier in the spring. Gordon shows some signs of being able to play. Again until we see this group against a vertical passing game we are going to be cautious.

Our grade- C+

Special Teams:

Kicking- To be determined- be glad the season is not tomorrow. Will Hagerup will have moments as a true freshman, but once in the grove he should be adequate as a punter, even as a freshman. The placekicking is very unsettled and wide open.

Return game: There is plenty of speed and talent, the results could come down to who can hold onto the ball and how much effort is put into the return game.

Grade- To be determined

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Mailbag question: The offense looks better

Posted at 8:00am -- 4/30/2010

Mailbag question: The offense looks better

Guys,

As always thanks for the great site.

I have been looking at the '09 OSU game again and in looking at the snippets of spring practice that we have been getting, I feel that the offense looks so much better than in the past. I know it is spring ball and it is not the Big 10 schedule but every thing looks so much smoother. Players look like they are reacting not thinking. The line is blocking, receivers are running good routes, and backs seem to be making good cuts. QB's seem to be using their good athletic abilities. What do you guys think about this?

Don

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

Thanks for the question.

We are on record as saying the offense is indeed looking quicker and is more athletic than in the previous years of spring practice sessions that we have seen in person.

There is definitely more depth on the offensive line and at quarterback. We also think the slot position with Odoms, Gallon, and Roundtree is the best trio of talent and performance since Coach Rod has arrived. Those three will be in the rotation, hopefully along with T. Robinson, who still struggles with catching and holding on to the ball.

There are still some concerns. We are somewhat concerned about offensive tackles, although we think Lewan has fantastic potential he is still a bit light for his frame but he could easily put on another twenty pounds. His experience level is low having played little football at an offensive tackle position. But Taylor has a monster upside if everything falls into place.

None of the running backs have stepped up and put a clear stranglehold on the position. One practice will see a running back break out and looks impressive and then the next practice he regresses and looks very average at best. There is no Mike Hart on board.

The split ends are still a work in progress and hard to judge off scrimmage type work, since they are not used as much as we would like to see. We actually saw more passing to the split ends in the "Spring Game" then we did in almost all the practices we attended this spring.

Bottom line, the offense has the potential to be improved, but with all things football, there are no guarantees. As we saw last year Michigan lost to teams with less talent by not playing well, making turnovers, a huge concern the last couple of years, and just continuing to make mental mistakes that can drive a coaching staff crazy.

Written by GBMW Staff

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Mailbag question: Route running

Posted at 8:00am -- 4/29/2010

Mailbag question: Route running

After the 2008 season, Smartfootball.com asserted that Coach Rod's route combinations for receivers were obsolete. What is your take on Smartfootball's assessment?

The Trojan package, presumably, updated some routes for the tight ends. Have you seen any route changes for the slots or split ends?

Thanks again for all the superb info you guys provide.

Joe

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

Thanks for the question and the kind comment Joe.

The once heavily ballyhooed "Trojan package" was advertised as a big addition to the Michigan passing game implemented last spring.

It was, in our opinion, Michigan's number one passing scheme until Carlos Brown was injured.

Coach Rod is on record as saying the passing game will expand when the players can successfully execute what is currently on the table. Michigan, in this year’s spring scrimmage game used the same routes and packages as seen for the last two springs. It is not a stretch to see the routes and the stem tree of this offense and pronounce the offense as without sophistication. On the other hand, the fly/jet/streak/run past the fourth bush on the right has been a simple play for decades, but has evaporated from the scene lately in Ann Arbor.

Every offensive assistant coach and Coach Rod in the past and now in the present are on record as saying this is a simple offense with very few plays, to allow for consistent execution fast play. It is certainly unsure as to whether or not obsolete is the right word, uncomplicated and purposely basic may be better descriptors.

Coach Dews put forth some discussion this spring about what the staff would like to add for this fall, and Coach Rod would offer counterpoint concerning what would/could/should be taken out of the playbook to insure a high level of execution.

The name of the game for this staff is to execute a limited number of plays perfectly and the coaches hold the position that such skilled execution will overcome having a bigger playbook for game day.

Having stated the defense of the simplistic approach above, one staff member of GBMW believes this thinking is flawed and perhaps fatal, unless the talent simply overwhelms the opponent. Michigan has struggled in the second half offensively, and one overriding flaw is that simplicity provides little opportunity for halftime adjustment and a Plan B to be put in place.

Written by GBMW Staff

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Mailbag question: If every player was healthy

Posted at 8:00am -- 4/28/2010

Mailbag question: If every player was healthy

Hey guys, good work as always, I definitely appreciate how you guys updating the depth chart this spring. However, it has sparked some thought and I've been coming up with every combination of a 2-deep for this fall. Anyway, I wanted to get your opinion of what the 2-deep would look like with everyone HEALTHY and with the incoming freshman on board (assuming all qualify).

I find myself debating because we have so many interchangeable parts. For example, if Turner goes to FS with Cam Gordon, does that move Emilien to Spur? Is Dorsey really a CB, or will he fly around at that deep safety spot? Where do all of the "spinners" in Jones, Bell and Hawthorne fit now, LB’s or SS’s? Is Patterson really a NG or is that just for depth purposes? ...I'm not asking for answers to all of these questions, I'm just saying these are the questions that are keeping me from coming up with something even close to a 2-deep. So what would be your depth chart this fall with everyone healthy and freshman in the fold?

Thanks as always,

ForeverYost

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

Thanks for the question; it does provide a nice opportunity for a hot-stove discussion now that we will not see a Michigan player in uniform until the opener against UConn.

We are not putting freshman in the two-deep right now because we want to make sure they all arrive on campus and are cleared. Also, we want to see how the newcomers work-out and practice before putting any newly arriving freshman ahead of players already here and having the advantage of going through spring practice. It can be a big difference for some incoming freshman to transition from high school football, where most of the time the Michigan recruits are usually the best player on their team, conference, etc. Now, all of a sudden the freshmen are on a team with players at their ability level, or even better, with college experience. Here goes our depth chart right effort for now. Warning: there will be further fluidity.

Offense:

Split End: Stonum and Webb

Slot Receiver: Odoms and Gallon

Left Tackle: Lewan and Huyge
Left Guard: Schilling and Washington/Mealer
Offensive Center: Molk and Khoury
Right Guard Omameh and Barnum
Right Tackle: Dorrestein and Huyge
Tight End: Koger and Webb

Slot Receiver: Roundtree, T. Robinson/Grady

Split End: Hemingway and Koger

Quarterback: D. Robinson and Forcier
Fullback: McColgan and Hopkins
Running Back: Cox/Shaw and Hopkins, flip a coin.

Defense:

Defensive End: RVB and Heninger
Nose Tackle: Martin/Campbell, Sagesse
Defensive End: Banks and Patterson

Weak-side Linebacker: Mouton and Leach
Middle Linebacker: Ezeh and Demens -- flip a coin
Strong-side Linebacker: Roh and Fitzgerald

Bandit: Kovacs and Simmons/Hawthorne
Spur: T. Gordon and M. Williams/Jones

Cornerback: Woolfolk and Turner
Cornerback: Floyd and Turner

Free Safety: Vlad and C. Gordon -- flip a coin

Defense is most likely area that incoming freshman will get a chance to be in the two deep.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Football: Video Interview of Denard Robinson

Posted at 4:00pm -- 4/27/2010



on YouTube
from mgovideo

Mailbag question: Kevin Koger to defense

Posted at 8:00am -- 4/24/2010

Mailbag question: Kevin Koger to defense

Do you think the staff would consider keeping Webb and Moore at TE and move Koger to DE? Koger was very impressive in High School at DE, and in my opinion was better at DE than TE.

Thanks,
Eric S.

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

Thanks for the question.

This is a very similar mailbag question that we recently answered concerning another tight end.

No tight end has yet moved or seen snaps on the defensive side of the ball.

In our opinion it is not a question of the offensive/defensive staff considering the move, the substance of such a move is if Kevin Koger desires or is ready for the move. One thing is clear, at least in our opinion, this offense is getting away from the tight end a bit and going to more of a true two slot formation offense.

All of our sources (VERY close to this situation) have said the same thing; Kevin Koger sees himself as a tight end and has little desire to play anywhere else. He is a team player and if the coaches strongly feel he could help out on the defensive side of the ball we are sure he would give it a try. But he does strongly see himself as a tight end and would prefer to stay at the tight end position.

If that is the case, and we believe it to be true, moving a player to a position he has no desire to play is a recipe for disaster.

Also, GBMW on numerous occasions saw Kevin play both ways in high school. Why he was probably more impressive to you on defense is because his team did not use Kevin very effectively on offense. Against most teams on offense, Kevin was bigger, stronger, taller, and in a lot of cases faster than the defenders, but his high school team’s offense was run-oriented team, especially concerning the quarterback. There were some high school games one would have never thought he was a Michigan commit.

This observation is not a knock on Kevin at all. We feel he was underused in high school and so far in his young career at Michigan. He had his struggles holding on to the ball last year, but some of those problems can be related to the offense and the quarterbacks as well for not throwing a better, more accurate ball. We have seen Kevin make some great catches last year, such as the one arm grab against Western Michigan and the touchdown catch in the end zone where for a big man he made a great catch.

One thing to keep in mind is right now Koger is the starting tight end and moving a player to another position might weaken the position he is leaving. A look at the current depth chart right indicates Michigan only has three tight ends on the roster. Martell Webb is a senior, Kevin Koger is a junior, and Brandon Moore is a red-shirt sophomore. So after this year that only leaves two tight ends, and to be honest that is a little thin even for an offense that does not count on the tight end as much.

It will be interesting to see if in the next recruiting class Michigan picks up a tight end. The staff had a chance at three very good tight ends last year and either missed out or decided tight end was of lesser concern than other positions. If UM does not get a tight end in this upcoming class, one can infer that the offense is going away from the tight end all together and will mostly use two slot formations. Michigan may then try and pick up a walk-on, move somebody from the defense to play tight end, or just use a linemen as an extra big body when needed, such as in short yardage or goal line situations.

Written by GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!

Michigan Football: Pictures from scrimmage -- Spring Game -- Part 3

Posted at 10:00am -- 4/23/2010











Photos by WerlsWolverine -- GBMW Staff

Go Blue -- Wear Maize!