Tuesday, August 19, 2008 by Tim
Projected Depth Chart| CB | FS | SS | Nickel | CB | Warren (So)
| S. Brown (Jr)
| Stewart (rSr)
OR
Harrison (Sr)
| Harrison (Sr)
| Trent (rSr)
| | Dutch (rSr) | Williams (rFr) | Chambers (So)
| Williams (rFr) | Woolfolk (So) | Cissoko (Fr)
|
| Smith (Fr)
| JT Floyd (Fr)
|
|
Safeties and NickelsSafeties Jamar Adams and Brandent Englemon are gone, but Junior Stevie Brown will be given another chance to start at safety, and the other spot will likely be manned by senior Brandon Harrison or 5th-year senior Charles Stewart. At nickel, redshirt freshman Michael Williams may get some playing time, or he could even move into the safety rotation. StatsMichigan Safeties and Nickels 2007
| Name
| Tackle
| TFL
| Sacks
| Int
| Jamar Adams
| 92
| 2.5
| 1
| 3
| Brandent Englemon
| 86
| 2
| 0
| 3
| Brandon Harrison
| 42
| 6.5
| 0.5
| 1
| Stevie Brown
| 28
| 0
| 0
| 1
| Charles Stewart
| 14
| 1
| 0
| 0
| Anton Campbell
| 11
| 0
| 0
| 0
| Artis Chambers
| 7
| 0
| 0
| 0
| Shakir Edwards
| 1
| 0
| 0
| 0
|
Corners5th-year senior Morgan Trent and sophomore sensation Donovan Warren are back to man the corner positions. Trent is blessed with speed, and Waren is a pure cover man. Woolfolk may be one of the first backups, along with Nickelman Brandon Harrison. Freshman Boubacar Cissoko will likely contribute as well. StatsMichigan Corners 2007
| Name
| Tackle
| TFL
| Sacks
| Int
| Donovan Warren
| 52
| 1.5
| 0
| 1
| Morgan Trent
| 41
| 2
| 0
| 2
| James Rogers
| 6
| 0
| 0
| 0
| Troy Woolfolk
| 5
| 0
| 0
| 0
| Doug Dutch
| 1
| 0
| 0
| 0
|
Notes: Rogers is expected to move to offense this year.AnalysisAfter the implosions of the App State and Oregon games, Johnny Sears was booted from the team, Stevie Brown was relegated to backup duty, and the Michigan secondary quietly became one of the best in the country. Trent and Warren comprise one of the best cornerback duos in the conference if not the nation. Stevie Brown is a good athlete and big hitter, and if he has taken the time to grasp the mental aspects of the position, should become a great safety down the line. Brandon Harrison is little and speedy, but most known for whiffing on sacks in nickel blitz situations. Several of Michigan’s backup DBs have had injury issues in the past, which are hopefully gone with the reign of Mike Barwis. The freshmen will contribute some, but mainly to get playing time for future years, not because their services are absolutely required. Labels: depth chart, football, personnel, preview
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by Tim
On the Big Ten Network's Michigan special last night, head coach Rich Rodriguez revealed that defensive tackle John Ferrara has moved to the offensive line. What does this mean? For the defense, the dpeth at tackle is probably developing well. Despite the loss of Marques Slocum, the unit could clearly afford the loss of a depth player who was decent, but nothing special. Renaldo Sagesse and Jason Kates are likely turning into capable backups, meaning that Ferrara was free to move elsewhere. For the offense, this adds another body to a unit that sorely needs some depth. With both Corey Zirbel (a projected starter) and Mark Huyge (a key backup) out of the time being with injuries (a minor ligament issue and a high ankle sprain, respectively), he can help make sure there are enough players to have backups. Also making up for Zirbel's loss, David Molk will move in as the starter at center, and David Moosman will move to guard. Ferrara will likely get a better shot at playing time than he would have on the other side of the ball, and his reported strong summer in the weight room can help him become a contributor. Labels: depth chart, football, john ferrara, personnel
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Thursday, August 14, 2008 by Tim
Projected Depth Chart| WLB | MLB | SLB | Mouton (rSo)
OR Panter (Sr)
| Thompson (rSr)
OR Ezeh (rSo)
| Ezeh (rSo)
OR Evans (So)
| Logan (Sr)
| Panter (Sr)
| Patilla (rSo)
OR Herron (rFr)
| Demens (Fr)
OR Witherspoon (Fr)
| Fitzgerald (Fr)
| Hill (Fr)
|
LinebackersObi Ezeh was the starter in the middle last year as a redshirt freshman. The outside linebackers, Shawn Crable and Cris Graham are gone, but not necessarily lamented. On the strong side, expect redshirt freshman Marell Evans to work his way into a starting role. On the weakside, redshirt sophomore Jonas Mouton is a good athlete, but has been plagued by injuries during his firs two years at Michigan, and hasn't been able to master the mental aspect of linebacking. He will battle senior Austin Panter, the former junior college defensive player of the year, for a starting role. 5th-year senior Johnny Thompson and redshirt freshman Brandon Herron provide some depth. Michigan also brought in a big freshman class of LBs, and a couple, such as Kenny Demens or JB Fitzgerald, may be asked to contribute. StatsMichigan Linebackers 2007
| Name
| Tackle
| TFL
| Sacks
| Int
| Shawn Crable
| 90
| 28.5
| 7.5
| 0
| Chris Graham
| 90
| 7
| 1
| 0
| Obi Ezeh
| 67
| 4
| 2
| 1
| Johnny Thompson
| 30
| 2
| 0
| 1
| Austin Panter
| 7
| 0
| 0
| 0
| Jonas Mouton
| 5
| 0
| 0
| 0
| Max Pollock
| 3
| 0
| 0
| 0
|
AnalysisGraham’s departure isn’t quite addition by subtraction, but it’s pretty close. A lot of Michigan fans feel the same way about Crable, but I personally believe that he was just misused. Bad football players do not get drafted by the Best Team Ever Until They Lost in the third round. Ezeh should be improved from last year, and he is getting to be a big boy for linebacker. Marell Evans is a good athlete who is known for his work ethic. Johnny Thompson has never done anything to stick out to me, I think he would be a depth player if this team had a linebacking corps that you might expect from Michigan. A couple of the freshmen may be expected to contribute, but the coaching staff would prefer to play the upperclassmen. Labels: depth chart, football, personnel, preview
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Wednesday, August 13, 2008 by Tim
Projected Depth Chart| DE | DT | NT | DE | Graham (Jr)
| Johnson (rSr)
| Taylor (Sr)
| Jamison (rSr)
| | VanBergen (rFr) | Kates (rSo)
| Ferrara (rSo) | Banks (rSo) | Criswell (rJr)
| Sagesse (So) | Martin (Fr)
| Patterson (Jr) |
Defensive TacklesIn the middle, Senior Terrance Taylor and 5th-year Will Johnson are the tackles. There is little depth among the backups, particularly with Marques Slocum leaving the team this summer. Redshirt sophomores Jason Kates and John Ferrara will be the backup tackles. Renaldo Sagesse has reportedly had a good summer and should challenge for playing time as well. Don't be surprised to see true freshman Mike Martin in the rotation, either. StatsMichigan Defensive Tackles 2007
| Name
| Tackle
| TFL
| Sacks
| Terrance Taylor
| 55
| 8.5
| 3.5
| Will Johnson
| 40
| 2.5
| 0.5
| Marques Slocum
| 8
| 0.5
| 0
| John Ferrara
| 2
| 1
| 0
| Jason Kates
| 1
| 0
| 0
|
AnalysisTaylor is a big run-stopper at defensive tackle, and has been a starter since his sophomore year. Johnson enters his second year as a starter, though I found him entirely uninspiring last year. The backups are far less touted and experienced than the starters across the line, but they will have to get the job done as well. While the starting DLine is probably the strength of the Michigan team, the lack of depth is one of the major weaknesses. Defensive EndsOne the ends, Michigan returns another pair of starters. Junior Brandon Graham is a terror from the defensive end position, and 5th-year senior Tim Jamison mans the other side. Jamison is a more traditional speed rusher, but Graham has an element of quickness to his game as well. The backups are Ryan VanBergen, Adam Patterson, and Greg Banks. A man-sans-position thus far in his career, senior Andre Criswell will give end a shot this year. StatsMichigan Defensive Ends 2007
| Name
| Tackle
| TFL
| Sacks
| Tim Jamison
| 52
| 10
| 5.5
| Brandon Graham
| 25
| 9.5
| 8.5
| Greg Banks
| 7
| 0
| 0
| Adam Patterson
| 4
| 1
| 1
|
AnalysisGraham is a very athletic pass rusher on one side, but fans are still waiting for Tim Jamison to live up to his potential. Many are hoping that a good ass-kicking in the weight room under new strength coach Mike Barwis can unlock the thus-far dormant ability. The lack of depth at end is a major weaknesses. Few have gained significant playing time thus far, and there aren't even that many bodies at the position. Until he showed up to camp ineligible, it was thought that Marcus Witherspoon might become a defensive end. A likely redshirt this year may be the perfect opportunity to switch positions. Labels: depth chart, football, personnel, preview
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Tuesday, August 12, 2008 by Tim
Projected Depth Chart| LT | LG | C | RG | RT | Ortmann (rJr)
| Moosman (rJr) | McAvoy (rJr)
| Zirbel (rJr)
| Schilling (rSo)
| Huyge (rFr)
| McAvoy (rJr)
| Molk (rFr) | Barnum (Fr) | Dorrestein (rSo)
| O'Neill (Fr)
| Wermers (Fr)
| Barnum (Fr)
| Mealer (Fr)
| Zirbel (rJr)
| Khoury (Fr)
|
|
|
| Omameh (Fr)
|
Offensive LineWe’ve all heard the facts: four starters are gone, including the NFL’s number one overall pick, a multi-year starter next to him, a Michigan legacy who transferred to Ohio State, and a guy who was never in good enough shape. The lone returning starter is Stephen Schilling at right tackle. The redshirt sophomore started every game last year, and accounts for 13 of the entire squad’s 16 career starts. The other positions are mostly up for grabs, but redshirt junior Mark Ortmann will probably man the other tackle spot. On the inside, redshirt junior Cory Zirbel, redshirt sophomore David Moosman, redshirt junior Tim McAvoy, and redshirt freshman David Molk will compete for the final three spots. Moosman has the upper hand at center, with Zirbel likely at one of the guard spots. Several other players will provide depth, including 6 freshmen. AnalysisThis may be the hardest-hit unit on the team aside from quarterback. Schillling is probably the best athlete on the offensive line, and Molk has tons of potential on the inside, likely as a future center. Ortmann is a classical big left tackle, and it remains to be seen if he has the athleticism for the spread system. The same could be said for most of the players along the interior as well, who were recruited to Michigan’s old power run game. If the offensive line has time to gel, it shouldn’t be a catastrophe, but until we see them accomplish something on the field, they remain the biggest question mark. Labels: depth chart, football, personnel, preview
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Thursday, August 07, 2008 by Tim
Projected Depth Chart| TE | WR | WR | Slot | WR | Butler (rJr)
OR
Massey (rSr)
| Mathews (Jr)
| Hemingway (So) OR Stonum (Fr)
| Odoms (Fr)
| Clemons (So)
| Webb (So)
| Savoy (rJr)
| Roundtree (Fr)
| Robinson (Fr)
| Rogers (So)
| Watson (rFr)
| Babb (So)
|
| Shaw (Fr) OR Horn (rFr)
|
| Koger (Fr) OR Moore (Fr)
|
|
|
|
|
Wide Receivers and SlotsMario Manningham and Adrian Arrington both left to ply their trade in the NFL, leaving Michigan with a very young wide receiver group. Junior Greg Mathews is the most experienced of the bunch, and is a near-lock to be a starter. Sophomores Junior Hemingway and Toney Clemons look to get a lot of playing time as well, with Clemons playing on the outside or in the slot. 4th-year junior LaTerryal Savoy will probably be a depth player. Freshmen should play a significant role in the receiving corps as well. Early enrollee Daryll Stonum may be the most physically gifted wideout on the team, though fellow freshman Roy Roundtree is expected to redshirt. In the slot, freshmen Martavious Odoms, Terrence Robinson, and Michael Shaw will likely contribute. StatsMichigan Wideouts Receiving 2007
| Name
| Rec
| Yds
| TD
| Yds/Rec
| Mario Manningham
| 72
| 1174
| 12
| 16.31
| Adrian Arrington
| 67
| 882
| 8
| 13.16
| Greg Mathews
| 39
| 366
| 3
| 9.38
| Junior Hemingway
| 4
| 37
| 0
| 9.25
| LaTerryal Savoy
| 1
| 9
| 0
| 9.00
| Toney Clemons
| 1
| 5
| 0
| 5.00
|
Michigan Wideouts Rushing 2007
| Name
| Att
| Yds
| TD
| Yds/Att
| Mario Manningham
| 19
| 119
| 1
| 6.26
| Greg Mathews
| 2
| 17
| 0
| 8.50
| Junior Hemingway
| 5
| 9
| 0
| 1.80
|
AnalysisStonum is likely the team’s best deep threat, whereas Greg Mathews is a possession-type player. Junior Hemingway and Toney Clemons have speed, and Clemons has very good size, too – he may have put on enough weight in the spring and summer to become a super-athletic tight end. Despite his size, Clemons also has the agility to play in the slot, showing off what a fantastic physical specimen he is. Savoy is a possession receiver, and should only get a few catches all year, unless he has improved drastically in the offseason. In the slot, Odoms and Robinson are both tiny guys with speed to burn and good moves as well. Shaw has a little more size, and may play a slot/RB split duty. He has very good speed as well, and even if he isn’t used in the slot, he will be a good receiver out of the backfield. Those whining about Rodriguez's continuing to recruit wide receivers need only realize that he intends to play with several of them on every play, and look at the thin depth chart. Tight EndsAt tight end, redshirt junior Carson Butler and redshirt senior Mike Massey are expected to start. Sophomore Martell Webb, redshirt freshman Steve Watson, and freshmen Kevin Koger and Brandon Moore are behind them. There are more tight ends on this team than you can shake a stick at. Carson Butler will likely get the lion's share of starting snaps. Andre Criswell has moved to the defensive line after playing tight end in 2007. StatsMichigan Tight Ends Receiving 2007
| Name
| Rec
| Yds
| TD
| Yds/Rec
| Carson Butler
| 20
| 246
| 2
| 12.30
| Mike Massey
| 4
| 38
| 0
| 4.28
| Andre Criswell
| 2
| 32
| 0
| 5.09
| Chris McLaurin
| 1
| 11
| 0
| 4.60
|
Michigan Tight Ends Rushing 2007
| Name
| Rec
| Yds
| TD
| Yds/Rec
| Carson Butler
| 1
| 16
| 0
| 16.00
|
AnalysisButler is an athletic tight end, but is prone to mental mistakes like false starts and holding. Massey is the classic Michigan tight end, and is a capable if not exceptional receiver. He has been plagued with injuries throughout his career, and may exceed expectations if he can stay healthy. Webb is a similar athlete to Butler, whereas Steve Watson is more of the classic Michigan TE. It will be interesting to see if he can find a good place on this team. Of the two freshmen, Koger is more ready to play, but his services might be needed on the defensive side of the ball as well, which remains to be seen. Labels: depth chart, football, personnel, preview
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by Tim
Projected Depth Chart| QB | Speed RB | Power RB | MX
| Threet (fFr)
| Brown (Jr)
| Minor (Jr)
| Moundros (rSo)
| Feagin (Fr) OR
Sheridan (W - rSo) | McGuffie (Fr) OR Horn (rFr) | Grady (rJr) | Helmuth (So)
| Cone (rSo)
|
| Cox (Fr)
|
|
QBsUh, crap. Both players who threw any meaningful passes last year are gone, Chad Henne (the four-year starter) to the NFL and Ryan Mallett (the ex-heir-apparent) to Arkansas. The cupboard isn’t entirely bare, but it’s damn close. Steven Threet, a redshirt freshman who sat out last year after transferring from Georgia Tech, was a four-star recruit in 2007, but isn’t the mobile player that Rich Rodriguez would like in his spread. Walkon Nick Sheridan is more athletic, but a worse passer. Incoming freshman Justin Feagin is expected to get some playing time as the dual-threat that Rich Rodriguez desires. Redshirt sophomore David Cone… at least he’ll leave Michigan with a good degree. StatsMichigan Quarterbacks Passing 2007
| Name
| Comp
| Att
| %
| Yds
| TD
| Int
| Yds/Att
| Chad Henne
| 162
| 278
| 58.27
| 1938
| 17
| 9
| 6.97
| Ryan Mallett
| 61
| 141
| 43.26
| 892
| 7
| 5
| 6.33
| David Cone
| 1
| 1
| 100.00
| 21
| 0
| 0
| 21.00
|
Michigan Quarterbacks Rushing 2007
| Name
| Att
| Yds
| TD
| Yds/Att
| Ryan Mallett
| 33
| -38
| 1
| -1.15
| Chad Henne
| 24
| -120
| 0
| -5.00
|
AnalysisThreet and Feagin had better be able to step up, otherwise Michigan’s offense might be in big trouble. Threet will be the passer of the two, and Feagin will be eased into the offense with running plays, and eventually work his way into the passing game. Sheridan will likely only be used as a contingency plan, and Cone doesn’t look to get any playing time. If spring was any indication, there needs to be a lot of improvement in this unit for success. RBsFour-year starter Mike Hart departs as Michigan’s all-time leading rusher. Stepping up, however, Michigan has a number of viable options. Redshirt junior Kevin Grady was the backup in 2005 and 2006, but was out last year with an ACL injury. He is also expected to be suspended for an indefinite period of time for a July DUI arrest. True juniors Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown were the backups last year, and filled in when Hart was out. Redshirt freshman Avery Horn is a speedy option, though he might not have the moves to be a true tailback. Incoming freshmen Sam McGuffie and Mike cox will challenge for playing time. The fullback will either be redshirt sophomore Mark Moundros or true sophomore Vince Helmuth. StatsMichigan Running Backs Rushing 2007
| Name
| Att
| Yds
| TD
| Yds/Att
| Mike Hart
| 265
| 1361
| 14
| 5.14
| Brandon Minor
| 90
| 385
| 1
| 4.28
| Carlos Brown
| 75
| 382
| 4
| 5.09
| Mike Milano
| 5
| 23
| 0
| 4.60
| Jim Potempa
| 6
| 16
| 0
| 2.67
|
Michigan Running Backs Receiving 2007
| Name
| Rec
| Yds
| TD
| Yds/Rec
| Mike Hart
| 8
| 50
| 0
| 6.25
| Mark Moundros (FB)
| 3
| 11
| 0
| 3.67
| Brandon Minor
| 3
| 1
| 0
| 0.33
|
AnalysisGrady is the most powerful runner of the three, though he has problems fumbling in the past. He hasn’t shown the vision that was expected of him coming out of high school. Brandon Minor definitely loks the part of a D-I football player, and his imposing figure is an accurate indicator of his strong running style. He doesn’t have the best speed, but he runs with power. Carlos Brown is the speedster of the proven players, though his vision has been criticized in the past. He has taken snaps at quarterback as well, and may be the recipient of a direct snap or two. Horn is fast, but doesn’t really have moves or vision, and is best when he gets the ball in space and has to do little other than run fast in a straight line. Sam McGuffie’s internet fame speaks for itself, and Cox seems to be in the mold of Brandon Minor. Helmuth is the more athletic fullback, and is more likely to be a “runaway beer truck,” but Moundros picked up the offense better in the spring and may get the starting nod. Labels: depth chart, football, personnel, preview
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Sunday, July 27, 2008 by Tim
Items of note (obviously subject to major change after fall camp): - Your OL (from left to right): Ortmann, McAvoy, Moosman, Zirbel, Schilling.
- Starting TE: Butler or Massey.
- Greg Mathews and JR Hemingway starting split ends.
- Toney Clemons starting slot, backed by... Jim Potempa?
- Threet and Sheridan listed as co-starter at QB.
- Moundros over Helmuth at FB.
- RB: Minor over a three-way tie between Brown, Grady, and Horn.
- Starting linebackers: S-Austin Panter, M-Obi Ezeh OR Johnny Thompson, W-Marell Evans OR Jonas Mouton.
- SS listed as BHarrison OR CStewart.
- Return specialists: Punt - Warren, Kick - Brandons Minor and Harrison.
The VB Depth chart will probably be updated in short order, as part of the team preview. Labels: boring offseason, depth chart, football, personnel
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Thursday, April 24, 2008 by Tim
| Linebackers | | WLB | MLB | SLB | Mouton (rSo)
| Thompson (rSr)
OR Ezeh (rSo)
| Ezeh (rSo)
OR Evans (So)
| Logan (Sr)
| Panter (Sr)
| Patilla (rSo)
OR Herron (rFr)
| Demens (Fr)
OR Witherspoon (Fr)
| Fitzgerald (Fr)
| Hill (Fr)
|
Arriving in the fall: Kenny Demens, Marcus Witherspoon, J.B. Fitzgerald, Taylor Hill. With a fair amount of depth here, and not much at DE, someone among the linebackers who played DE in high school may start bulking up and change positions. Michigan loses a few seniors, but only one of them (Johnny Thompson) is a projected starter. In recruiting, Michigan can probably hold out for a top guy or two unless they lose a couple players to defensive end. Class of '09 Linebackers
| Name
| Measurables
| Rating
| Hometown
| School
| Offer?
| Timetable
| Player Notes
| Recruiting Notes
| Jelani Jenkins
| 6-1, 200, 4.45
| *****
| Wheaton, MD
| Our Lady of Good Counsel
| Offer
|
| Student-athlete with a 4.0. Washington Post all-Met 1st team as a junior.
| Virginia wants him like it's their job. Will he stay closer to home?
| Julius Ferrell
| 6-1, 230, 4.55
| ****
| Youngstown, OH
| Liberty
|
|
| Hits like a ton of bricks. Described as David Harris-like.
| Ohio State may not have room for him in their class. His teammate Isaiah Bell is committed.
| Jonathan Pippin
| 6-1, 210, 4.5
| ***
| River Ridge, LA
| John Curtis
|
|
| From the program that sent Joe McKnight to USC.
| He lists a lot of SEC schools and Michigan.
| Dan Mason
| 6-1, 223, 4.59
| ***
| Pittsburgh, PA
| Penn Hills
|
|
|
| Pitt is his early leader, and he lists West Virginia, which may translate to new-UM.
| John Michael Davis
| 6-1, 220, 4.59
| ***
| Los Flores, CA
| Tesoro
|
|
| Dropped from a 5-star after Scout's first re-evaluation.
| Grew up a Michigan fan. He is currently listing Michigan, but how well will New-UM recruit California after the departure of Ron English?
| Dan Fox
| 6-3, 215
| ***
| Cleveland, OH
| St. Ignatius
|
|
| Attended UM junior day.
|
|
After a very large 2008 LB class, this isn't a huge area of priority. Michigan can hold out for higher-level prospects. Labels: depth chart, football, personnel, recruiting
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Wednesday, April 23, 2008 by Tim
| Secondary | | CB | FS | SS | Nickel | CB | Warren (So)
| S. Brown (Jr)
| Stewart (rSr)
OR
Harrison
| Harrison (Sr)
| Trent (rSr)
| Harrison (Sr)
| Williams (rFr) | Chambers (So)
| Dutch (rSr)
| Woolfolk (So) |
|
|
| Williams (rFr) |
|
Arriving in the fall: Boubacar Cissoko (CB), JT Floyd (Nickel), Brandon Smith (SS). Committed Safeties
| Name
| Measurables
| Rating
| Hometown
| School
| Player Notes
| Recruiting Notes
| Isaiah Bell
| 6-3, 205
| ***
| Youngstown, OH
| Liberty
| Junior Film. | Michigan's fourth commit, on 3-31-08
|
Class of '09 Safeties
| Name
| Measurables
| Rating
| Hometown
| School
| Offer?
| Timetable
| Player Notes
| Recruiting Notes
| Devonte Holloman
| 6-2, 200
| *****
| Charlotte, NC
| Independence
| Offer
| Post-officials decision, potential early enroll
| SS prospect. He also plays QB in high school, but is unlikely to toss the rock in college. Fluffy fluff.
| Notre Dame, Florida, and Clemson are the top 3. He has said he wants to stay close to home. He wants to get down to 5 schools by the end of summer.
| Jonathan Scott
| 6-3, 190, 4.6
| ***
| Daytona Beach, FL
| Seabreeze
| Offer
|
| Strong safety prospect.
| He has family at both Georgia Tech and Ohio State. Michigan in his top 5.
| Dorian Berry
| 6-3, 200
| ***
| Baldwyn, MS
| Baldwyn
|
|
| A big dude who projects as a SS. He may have trouble qualifying for college.
| Hopson-Mississippi connection.
| Rod Woodson
| 6-1, 200
| ****
| Olive Branch, MS
| Olive Branch
|
|
|
| Jay Hopson gives Michigan the ability to recruit Mississippi.
| Shamari Benton
| 5-11, 175
| ***
| Birmingham, MI
| Brother Rice
|
| Early decision
| Plays OLB and standup DE in HS. He'll need to add tons of weight to be on LB, or show faster 40 times to be a safety.
| Favors Michigan State over Michigan.
| Brock Reynolds
| 5-11, 175
| ***
| Battle Creek, MI
| BC Central
|
|
| Thin safety prospect. He'll need to add more weight to get high-DI offers.
|
|
A ton of safety prospects out there right now. Committed Cornerbacks
| Name
| Measurables
| Rating
| Hometown
| School
| Player Notes
| Recruiting Notes
| Justin Turner
| 6-2, 200
| ****
| Massilon, OH
| Washington
| Junior Film. | Michigan's second commit, on 3-28-08
|
Class of '09 Corners
| Name
| Measurables
| Rating
| Hometown
| School
| Offer?
| Timetable
| Player Notes
| Recruiting Notes
| Dre Kirkpatrick
| 6-2, 180, 4.5
| *****
| Gadsden, AL
| Gadsden City
| Offer
| Signing day decision
| Scout's top defensive back early in the recruiting game.
| Looking mostly at southern schools. He visited Auburn 2-22 weekend Going to Bama 3-8 weekend.
| Brandon McGee
| 6-0, 180, 4.45
| ****
| Plantation, FL
| Plantation
| Offer
|
| He is a HS QB as well.
| Grew up an FSU fan, but is also interested in Ohio State.
| Travis Hawkins
| 5-11, 185, 4.42
| ****
| Gaithersburg, MD
| Quince Orchard
| Offer
| Early enroll
| A lot of big-time offers imply that he will be a very good prospect.
| Plans to visit Ann Arbor.
| DJ Hunter
| 6-0, 190
| ****
| Middletown, OH
| Middletown
|
|
|
| Favors Indiana and Ohio State, along with Miami of Florida. He claims offers from the entire Big Ten except OSU and Michigan.
| Tony Graham
| 5-11, 185, 4.44
| ****
| Trotwood, OH
| Trotwood-Madison
|
|
|
| Michigan's emerging pipeline into T-M can only help with Graham. He plans to attend Michigan's summer camp.
| Corey Brown
| 6-2, 185, 4.58
| ****
| Monroeville, PA
| Gateway
| Offer
|
| Also plays WR on offense. Sam Webb video interview.
| He is friends with some Pitt players (Shayne Hale, Cam Saddler), and his HS coach is a Pitt supporter.
| David Conner
| 6-0,200
| ***
| Batesville, MS
| South Panola
| Offer
|
| Plays safety in high school, but will probably grow into an OLB in college. He's a little short for the position. He was a first team all-state selection in 2007 according to the Clarion Ledger.
| Michigan is among his first offers.
| Javanti Sparrow
| 6-0, 170, 4.49
| ***
| Chesapeake, VA
| Western Branch
|
|
| Super-fast track star who is a HS teammate of Kevin Newsome.
| Interested in attending the same school as teammate Newsome.
| Ryan Campbell
| 6-0, 175, 4.38
| ***
| Columbus, GA
| Shaw
|
|
| Super-fast track star who is a HS teammate of Kevin Newsome.
| Jim Stefani notes that he is originally from Michigan.
| Varmah Sonie
| 5-10, 160
| ***
| Apple Valley, MN
| Apple Valley
|
|
| A friend of WR Bryce McNeal
| Visited Michigan with McNeal last weekend.
|
Michigan will like at least one super. Labels: depth chart, football, personnel, recruiting
| »
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 by Tim
| Offensive Line | | LT | LG | C | RG | RT | Ortmann (rJr)
| MacAvoy (rJr)
| Molk (rFr)
| Zirbel (rJr)
| Schilling (rSo)
| Huyge (rFr)
| Moosman (rJr)
| Moosman (rJr)
| Moosman (rJr)
| Dorrestein (rSo)
| O'Neill (Fr)
| Wermers (Fr)
| Barnum (Fr)
| Mealer (Fr)
| Zirbel (rJr)
| Khoury (Fr)
|
|
|
| Omameh (Fr)
|
Arriving in the fall: Dan O'Neill, Rocko Khoury, Kurt Wermers, Ricky Barnum, Elliott Mealer, Patrick Omameh. Redshirts on the way for just about all of them except maybe O'Neill and whichever interior OL is most ready to play. David Molk was out for most of the spring (with mono), but I think he'll use summer camp as a springboard into a starting position. Though Michigan doesn't lose anyone from this group, the departures of a few players mean that they are still a little thin at the position. Rodriguez likes to have around 16 linemen on the roster, and he will have 15 on the roster next year (including a couple who aren't likely to ever have big contributions). Class of '09 Offensive Linemen
| Name
| Measurables
| Rating
| Hometown
| School
| Offer?
| Timetable
| Player Notes
| Recruiting Notes
| Xavier Nixon
| 6-6, 285
| *****
| Fayetteville, NC
| Jack Britt
| Offer
|
| Considered one of the top OT prospects. A basketball center, he is reknowned for his quick feet. HS coach fluff.
| Due to a mix-up, Rodriguez got his film late. Michigan is probably playing catch up on this one.
| Marcus Hall
| 6-5, 295, 5.35
| *****
| Cleveland, OH
| Glenville
| Offer
|
| From Ted Ginn Sr.'s Glenville high
| Ginn had a beef with the Carr administration, will he send prospects to new-UM? Top 3 of OSU, USC, Illinois would imply otherwise.
| Eric Shrive
| 6-7, 282, 5.10
| *****
| West Scranton, PA
| West Scranton
| Offer
| Deciding after 2008
| Likely the midwest’s top OT. Film evaluation.
| Many consider Notre Dame a heavy favorite (went to their junior day 2-24). Local paper blog on Shrive's recruitment. Maybe telling: midwest visits do not include UM.
| Xavier Sua'filo
| 6-5, 275
| ****
| Provo, UT
| Timpview
|
|
| Being recruited by a lot of top schools. ESPNU Under Armour game.
| He wants to take an unofficial to Michigan.
| Chris Freeman
| 6-8, 315
| ****
| Trotwood, OH
| Madison
| Offer
|
| He is also a PF prospect for basketball? I guess that means he is ridiculously athletic for his size, but… what?
| Michigan has the Trotwood-Madison connection in their favor for this huge OT prospect, though he is the cousin of OSU LB Marcus Freeman. Florida is also hard on Freeman. He plans to attend several Michigan spring practices.
| Chris Watt
| 6-4, 270
| ****
| Glen Ellyn, IL
| Glenbard
| Offer
| pre-season decision
| Viscious interior prospect.
| Came to UM junior day. Just like everyone else in the country, he has been offered by Notre Dame (they may be the favorite) (like, seriously). He wants to stay within the midwest.
| Quinton Washington
| 6-4, 320
| ****
| Saint Stephen, SC
| Timberland
| Offer
|
| Currently listed at OT, though his measurables project him on the interior.
| Lists a lot of southern schools and Michigan.
| Khalil Wilkes
| 6-4, 285
| ****
| Jersey City, NJ
| St. Peter's
|
|
| Likes playing in spread offenses.
| Has interest in Michigan. His dad played at Rutgers, and they can be considered the current favorite.
| Zach Matthias
| 6-6, 305, 5.1
| ****
| Hemlock, MI
| Hemlock
|
|
| He plays basketball at his size, which means he is likely a good athlete. An in-state semi-sleeper along the lines of Jake Long. Scholar-athlete as well. 1st Team all-conference as a junior.
| Expected to attend Michigan's junior day.
| Brennan Williams
| 6-6, 260, 5.2
| ***
| West Roxbury, MA
| Catholic Memorial
|
|
|
| Jim Stefani noted that his dad is from Michigan and played at Toledo.
| Tahir Basil
| 6-2, 250, 4.88
| ***
| Philadelphia, PA
| Roman Catholic
|
|
| Good student, maybe not an elite OL prospect (but S&C could mold him into one).
|
| Ricky Clemons
| 6-5, 305
| ***
| Flint, MI
| Carman Ainsworth
|
|
| A little short to be a true OT. Could move inside in college. He's already got the mass, it will likely need to be converted into muscle.
| Grew up a State fan, but went to his first CFB game for The Horror.
| Zach Martin
| 6-5, 260, 5.10
| ***
| Indianapolis, IN
| Bishop Chatard
| Offer?
|
| Right around tackle size.
| Michigan spring game visitor. Offer is not confirmed as yet.
| Henry Conway
| 6-6, 295
| ***
| Shaker Heights, OH
| Shaker Heights
|
|
| Not a big-time prospect, but he has good size. Tackle project.
| Michigan Spring Game visitor
|
Not a ton of need here. They will probably be able to hold out for a couple highly-ranked guys (1-2 tackles, 1-2 interior OL). Labels: depth chart, football, personnel, recruiting
| »
|
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