Case in point, the least heralded of the 4 wr's...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b3Tj0MbjGY&sns=em
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b3Tj0MbjGY&sns=em
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Practice Notes
- Thread starter thewolverines24
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Michchamp
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he was holding back; didn't want to blow his wad on one thread. lots more practice coming up
Michchamp
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the thing about Mone is encouraging... if we have that much depth on the DL, and can rotate guys so they stay fresh - especially big guys - that could be a nightmare for opposing offenses.
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Damn...thanks for all that. Really excited for this season.
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Wow. Ridiculous.
wlvrnstlr4life
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Awesome notes, Deathroh. I am really hoping that Speight has the long ball this year and a little more zip. Frankly, he is the one person that scares me the most come Florida.
From yesterday...
One of my sources says Pep Hamilton is future head coach material and it may not take long for some opportunities to come. Without giving away too much, he is going to make it tough for teams to defend Michigan by loading the box. The power aspect of the offense is still there, but he's added some west coast to it too. Expect faster rhythm as well.
- Along those lines, I'm hearing you should expect Chris Evans to be used more in the passing game. Having scouted him in HS, I can tell you he has outstanding receiving skills. In fact, I thought he was a good enough route runner and pass catcher to be a slot receiver.
- One freshman that hasn't been mentioned a ton, but is "really good" is Kwity Paye. I was told he's put on 20 pounds and can run. Another freshman doing some good things is Ben Mason who has been physical at fulback. I'm told Andrew Stueber is doing well, still learning and probably a yea away but has a bright future.
- Again, without giving away anything, there is some experimentation with DL combinations which allow Rashan Gary to move around a little bit.
- My source thinks Jon Ruynan will win the RT job. That has NOT been determined yet though. That's just an opinion though. Competition still ongoing. Along those lines, Greg Frey is "earning his money." He has definitely brought some things to the table on this staff and is doing an excellent job with his groups.
- Ron Johnson is working at tackle and strongside DE. Reuben Jones working behind Chase Winovich, but the freshmen are pushing him, particularly Luiji Vilain.
One of my sources says Pep Hamilton is future head coach material and it may not take long for some opportunities to come. Without giving away too much, he is going to make it tough for teams to defend Michigan by loading the box. The power aspect of the offense is still there, but he's added some west coast to it too. Expect faster rhythm as well.
- Along those lines, I'm hearing you should expect Chris Evans to be used more in the passing game. Having scouted him in HS, I can tell you he has outstanding receiving skills. In fact, I thought he was a good enough route runner and pass catcher to be a slot receiver.
- One freshman that hasn't been mentioned a ton, but is "really good" is Kwity Paye. I was told he's put on 20 pounds and can run. Another freshman doing some good things is Ben Mason who has been physical at fulback. I'm told Andrew Stueber is doing well, still learning and probably a yea away but has a bright future.
- Again, without giving away anything, there is some experimentation with DL combinations which allow Rashan Gary to move around a little bit.
- My source thinks Jon Ruynan will win the RT job. That has NOT been determined yet though. That's just an opinion though. Competition still ongoing. Along those lines, Greg Frey is "earning his money." He has definitely brought some things to the table on this staff and is doing an excellent job with his groups.
- Ron Johnson is working at tackle and strongside DE. Reuben Jones working behind Chase Winovich, but the freshmen are pushing him, particularly Luiji Vilain.
yesterday...
Chase-ing Greatness
Much of the talk about the potential for continued greatness along Michigan's defensive line has been due to the immense talents possessed by Rashan Gary and Maurice Hurst. The hype about them is deserved. That said, the national media is sleeping on the two other members of the front. As was mentioned in "Inside the Sub - Volume 5," Bryan Mone and Chase Winovich have stepped things up also. With Mone that?s a function of being healthy. With Winovich it's a function of having a year of experience under his belt and being bigger, stronger, and faster. One source mentioned Winovich "is literally in the best shape of his life. He and Rashan compete at everything imaginable and that has improved their growth in all aspects." One obvious example of his improved explosiveness is his increased vertical this off-season. He has improved it by 3.5-inches despite weighing in consistently at 255 pounds.
Add that to his non-stop motor and improved technique and you have the recipe for a couple of practices where he piled up the sacks. The players say relentlessness makes him an absolute thorn in the side of the offense, but it also sets a great example for youngsters like his camp roommate Luiji Vilain, who we're hearing stands a good chance of making the rotation if he remains consistent in camp.
The Other "Big Mike"
Incoming freshman buzz often dwarfs that of returning players trying to work themselves into elevated roles. That certainly is the case up front where names like Solomon, Hudson, and Vilain are generating the most interest externally. Internally if you ask the d-lineman about the young player (not named Rashan Gary of course) turning their head the most, they'll mention Michael Dwumfour. That supports a comment from Mattison during the summer when he called Dwumfour "a bigger Mo Hurst." The same explosive get-off, but with a bigger frame. His teammates love his athleticism and think he has definite future pro potential.
A Healthy Singleton
Freshman linebacker Drew Singleton tore his ACL last season and was forced to sit out his senior campaign. We're hearing the former Paramus Catholic standout isn't showing any ill-effects from the injury. He is flying around like he did when he earned the distinction of being ranked one of the Top 100 players in the country. The time off seems to have put a bit of a chip on his shoulder. The intensity he is playing with mirrors that of his good friend Josh Ross. The two youngsters spent a great deal of time together this summer and are pushing one another. Singleton is also being pushed by his former high school coach and current Michigan assistant Chris Partridge. Word has it that "CP" is pushing Singleton like fathers push sons... which often is even HARDER than they push others. And Singleton is responding. Like Ross, Singleton has been running with the twos.
On the Move
We mentioned yesterday that Jordan Glasgow who worked his way into the #2 VIPER role in the spring had recently began repping with the twos at safety also. That begs the question about others competing at VIPER. We're hearing Jaylen Kelly-Powell began getting reps with the twos at that spot after spending most of his time at safety up to this point.
Chase-ing Greatness
Much of the talk about the potential for continued greatness along Michigan's defensive line has been due to the immense talents possessed by Rashan Gary and Maurice Hurst. The hype about them is deserved. That said, the national media is sleeping on the two other members of the front. As was mentioned in "Inside the Sub - Volume 5," Bryan Mone and Chase Winovich have stepped things up also. With Mone that?s a function of being healthy. With Winovich it's a function of having a year of experience under his belt and being bigger, stronger, and faster. One source mentioned Winovich "is literally in the best shape of his life. He and Rashan compete at everything imaginable and that has improved their growth in all aspects." One obvious example of his improved explosiveness is his increased vertical this off-season. He has improved it by 3.5-inches despite weighing in consistently at 255 pounds.
Add that to his non-stop motor and improved technique and you have the recipe for a couple of practices where he piled up the sacks. The players say relentlessness makes him an absolute thorn in the side of the offense, but it also sets a great example for youngsters like his camp roommate Luiji Vilain, who we're hearing stands a good chance of making the rotation if he remains consistent in camp.
The Other "Big Mike"
Incoming freshman buzz often dwarfs that of returning players trying to work themselves into elevated roles. That certainly is the case up front where names like Solomon, Hudson, and Vilain are generating the most interest externally. Internally if you ask the d-lineman about the young player (not named Rashan Gary of course) turning their head the most, they'll mention Michael Dwumfour. That supports a comment from Mattison during the summer when he called Dwumfour "a bigger Mo Hurst." The same explosive get-off, but with a bigger frame. His teammates love his athleticism and think he has definite future pro potential.
A Healthy Singleton
Freshman linebacker Drew Singleton tore his ACL last season and was forced to sit out his senior campaign. We're hearing the former Paramus Catholic standout isn't showing any ill-effects from the injury. He is flying around like he did when he earned the distinction of being ranked one of the Top 100 players in the country. The time off seems to have put a bit of a chip on his shoulder. The intensity he is playing with mirrors that of his good friend Josh Ross. The two youngsters spent a great deal of time together this summer and are pushing one another. Singleton is also being pushed by his former high school coach and current Michigan assistant Chris Partridge. Word has it that "CP" is pushing Singleton like fathers push sons... which often is even HARDER than they push others. And Singleton is responding. Like Ross, Singleton has been running with the twos.
On the Move
We mentioned yesterday that Jordan Glasgow who worked his way into the #2 VIPER role in the spring had recently began repping with the twos at safety also. That begs the question about others competing at VIPER. We're hearing Jaylen Kelly-Powell began getting reps with the twos at that spot after spending most of his time at safety up to this point.
Yesterday...
- Harbaugh says it's a big weekend coming up for setting the two-deeps.
- Says Wilton and John have really stepped up in practice, both are working hard and progressing well.
- Says that Peters is working hard and competing well, says the two QBs (Wilton and John) have done well to set themselves apart.
- Says that Onwenu, Bushell-Beatty and Runyan are moving in and out with the ones on the line. Says Cole and Bredeson are mainstays on the line. Says they're doing a good job of picking up multiple blitzes, there's a lot of havoc during practices. Says they're not like typical practices.
- Says Speight's demeanor hasn't changed this year, still even-keeled.
- Someone asked about Hurst saying OL is most improved: "Haha! We can't even block Mo Hurst." Says Maurice Hurst and Rashan Gary are hard to block.
- Says DPJ, Oliver Martin and Tarik Black are making a lot of plays. "Superb, athletic type of plays." Says he hasn't seen any freshman do it like they have. Says Josh Ross is doing well, is a real hitter. Really lit up when discussing Ben Mason, says he will help Michigan win games. Climbing up the FB depth chart.
- says offensive/defensive consistency is not there yet, but will know it when it happens.
- Supports Warde Manuel's statement, says it was a bad situation and says he's glad there's a resolution. Said they followed University and program protocol the entire time. Says it's up to Grant to face punishment.
- Says the running backs has been really good. Mentions Chris Evans, Karan Higdon and Ty Isaac. Mentioned how Isaac is really slippery. Also says Kareem Walker is starting to come along, starting to assert himself.
- Says he feels good that the DBs will "get there" they're all competing for a spot.
- Ty Wheatley was the first name mentioned for the TEs, been the most physical and is faster. Lost 20 pounds. Says McKeon is doing well. Bunting is back with the team, Eubanks is efficient in the passing game. Gentry is "fighting like a madman"
- Says Eddie McDoom is not giving up anything to anybody
- Says he will know more about the freshman after the weekend, see how many could possibly play this season. Young DL will be in the mix.
- Says Ambry Thomas has been "sensational," says not too many people on the team he gets along with like Ambry. Also mentioned Drew Singleton as playing well.
- Says Will Hart is playing well "but Brad Robbins is the real deal." Says the punting competition is neck and neck. Says Quinn Nordin is kicking well.
- Will be a mix of players this year, one player will not do all responsibilities.
- Harbaugh says it's a big weekend coming up for setting the two-deeps.
- Says Wilton and John have really stepped up in practice, both are working hard and progressing well.
- Says that Peters is working hard and competing well, says the two QBs (Wilton and John) have done well to set themselves apart.
- Says that Onwenu, Bushell-Beatty and Runyan are moving in and out with the ones on the line. Says Cole and Bredeson are mainstays on the line. Says they're doing a good job of picking up multiple blitzes, there's a lot of havoc during practices. Says they're not like typical practices.
- Says Speight's demeanor hasn't changed this year, still even-keeled.
- Someone asked about Hurst saying OL is most improved: "Haha! We can't even block Mo Hurst." Says Maurice Hurst and Rashan Gary are hard to block.
- Says DPJ, Oliver Martin and Tarik Black are making a lot of plays. "Superb, athletic type of plays." Says he hasn't seen any freshman do it like they have. Says Josh Ross is doing well, is a real hitter. Really lit up when discussing Ben Mason, says he will help Michigan win games. Climbing up the FB depth chart.
- says offensive/defensive consistency is not there yet, but will know it when it happens.
- Supports Warde Manuel's statement, says it was a bad situation and says he's glad there's a resolution. Said they followed University and program protocol the entire time. Says it's up to Grant to face punishment.
- Says the running backs has been really good. Mentions Chris Evans, Karan Higdon and Ty Isaac. Mentioned how Isaac is really slippery. Also says Kareem Walker is starting to come along, starting to assert himself.
- Says he feels good that the DBs will "get there" they're all competing for a spot.
- Ty Wheatley was the first name mentioned for the TEs, been the most physical and is faster. Lost 20 pounds. Says McKeon is doing well. Bunting is back with the team, Eubanks is efficient in the passing game. Gentry is "fighting like a madman"
- Says Eddie McDoom is not giving up anything to anybody
- Says he will know more about the freshman after the weekend, see how many could possibly play this season. Young DL will be in the mix.
- Says Ambry Thomas has been "sensational," says not too many people on the team he gets along with like Ambry. Also mentioned Drew Singleton as playing well.
- Says Will Hart is playing well "but Brad Robbins is the real deal." Says the punting competition is neck and neck. Says Quinn Nordin is kicking well.
- Will be a mix of players this year, one player will not do all responsibilities.
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Runyan? That might be the first mention I've heard of him starting over JBB and Filiaga. Interesting.
Unnamed source, but by far the strongest take on speight that I've heard. Here you go, from earlier today.....
I wish I was at practices but this comes from a friend that has had a relationship with Michigan for about 25 years and has been granted access now enough to form a few thoughts.
? Loves TE Tyrone Wheatley Jr. "The thing about TWJ is he's really competitive, and last year, we saw what happened early in the season when those game reps went to Devin Asiasi. By the end of the year, TWJ was the guy playing, not as much Asiasi. He took it as a challenge, and this offseason, he heard the talk that with Devin going, Michigan was really losing a freak athlete. I think that's a big reason why he reported to training camp slimmed down, and yet he's still really big. He might be the guy I'm most impressed with on offense."
? On WRs, thinks Donovan Peoples-Jones is elite. "In my career here, I've only seen one other freshman wide receiver that carried himself the way DPJ does, and that was David Terrell. Terrell just walked around, not with an arrogance, but that same charisma and confidence in himself that Woodson had. Guys like Manningham and Braylon had that swagger but were a little afraid to display it early in their career. By no means is DPJ arrogant but the way he carries himself, the way he approaches every drill, the way he runs his routes and attacks the ball, it's like he's the veteran, the guy that earned the No. 1 jersey and just came off an All-American season."
He's also really high on Oliver Martin among the freshman wideouts and thinks Grant Perry is due for a huge year. "Listen, what happened with the Grant situation ... no one is happy about it. But remember the way Bo and Lloyd used to punish, over the years, you'd hear story after story of how guys came out the other side more mature, more focused, and just turned their lives into really good people. We'll see on Perry as far as a citizen, though I suspect we'll never hear another negative peep from him.
"But on the field, you can tell he knows he got a second chance. Everything he does is spot on. Everything. And with Mo Ways banged up and Drake Harris at cornerback, Grant is the veteran at receiver, and guys look to him. He's not taking that lightly. He knows all eyes are on him. I think he could have an Avant-like impact from like 2005 where he was the veteran and everyone else was a youngster and he went out and had a 1,000-yard season."
On the QB battle, the difference between Speight and O'Korn and then O'Korn and Peters, this observer thinks is significant. "No one is denying Brandon Peters' talent. He'll drop a ball in there 40 yards downfield right into the bread basket or he'll thread one across the middle that a linebacker and safety are licking their chops on and it splits them right into a tight end's hands. His physical skills are really impressive, but his pocket presence is going to have to improve dramatically. The things you keep hearing from the coaches ... about needing him to be more vocal and command the huddle ... I think the best advice I can give everyone is to slow down, be patient. This is a natural maturation process that needs to take place and the coaches understand that better than anyone. They're not panicked because they think Speight is a really good quarterback and they think O'Korn is, arguably, the best No. 2 in the Big Ten.
"Speight is special. I know fans don't think so. But for me, I'm watching a Brian Griese-level leadership here. I'm seeing Tom Brady in his final season. When you watch practice, you understand who the team believes is their quarterback. You can't hide from that realization because guys respond differently to the alpha and Wilton Speight is the alpha. It blows my mind that fans don't see it or don't want to believe it or dismiss the mental side of it but Jim Harbaugh LOVES this kid. I don't know that he will win a Big Ten title this year but I'd say that every single person in this program, every coach, every player, the equipment staff, the video guys, the trainers ... they all think he can."
On the OL: "So the first thing that jumps out to me is that they're more powerful. Part of that is the body composition of players like Bredeson and Onwenu, and Mason Cole attacking in the weight room this year. I think he learned a big-time lesson last year that just being good enough, just being strong enough, was NOT good enough. He had his hands full with some of those nose tackles and so he spent an offseason transforming himself from a pass-pro lineman to a tackle that can physically overpower you. I really like Patrick Kugler too. He reminds me of some of those guys like Kurt Anderson or Dave Pearson that maybe wasn't the best kid talent-wise but is so rock steady in the middle, and really what they need from that center position is the smartest guy on the field. They need a leader. They need a communicator. They would take a 10 from the mental side and an 8 physical versus the other way around.
"I'll be honest, jury is still out for me for this OL. It's hard to gauge because the starting unit defensively is, like, insane. When they go 1s vs 1s, I'd say it tilts 60-40 for the defense, and I might be being generous for the offense. But that line is ... and I am very cautious saying this, starting four is going to be better than last year's starting four. Alright, I said it, but I laugh because you don't understand how good Chris Wormley was in all facets of the game, and Taco Charlton was playing at a level in October/November that is comparable to Messner, Woodley, Graham. But still, this front four is so scary. So there's that.
"But here's what our problem has been the last few years ... the OL can't get it done against the better defenses it plays, and I'm struggling to figure out if our defensive line is just so ridiculously good that I shouldn't draw conclusions or is this a cause for concern because Ohio State's front seven is supposed to be stacked too, and Penn State and Wisconsin should both be really good too. I think as a collective fan base we are so desperate for the line to be capable, and we're all praying/fingers crossed, whatever. I just don't know."
So I was originally going to do defense too but that is so long. Also, when I quote, take it as a paraphrase. I didn't actually turn a recorder on when I was hanging with my friend!
I wish I was at practices but this comes from a friend that has had a relationship with Michigan for about 25 years and has been granted access now enough to form a few thoughts.
? Loves TE Tyrone Wheatley Jr. "The thing about TWJ is he's really competitive, and last year, we saw what happened early in the season when those game reps went to Devin Asiasi. By the end of the year, TWJ was the guy playing, not as much Asiasi. He took it as a challenge, and this offseason, he heard the talk that with Devin going, Michigan was really losing a freak athlete. I think that's a big reason why he reported to training camp slimmed down, and yet he's still really big. He might be the guy I'm most impressed with on offense."
? On WRs, thinks Donovan Peoples-Jones is elite. "In my career here, I've only seen one other freshman wide receiver that carried himself the way DPJ does, and that was David Terrell. Terrell just walked around, not with an arrogance, but that same charisma and confidence in himself that Woodson had. Guys like Manningham and Braylon had that swagger but were a little afraid to display it early in their career. By no means is DPJ arrogant but the way he carries himself, the way he approaches every drill, the way he runs his routes and attacks the ball, it's like he's the veteran, the guy that earned the No. 1 jersey and just came off an All-American season."
He's also really high on Oliver Martin among the freshman wideouts and thinks Grant Perry is due for a huge year. "Listen, what happened with the Grant situation ... no one is happy about it. But remember the way Bo and Lloyd used to punish, over the years, you'd hear story after story of how guys came out the other side more mature, more focused, and just turned their lives into really good people. We'll see on Perry as far as a citizen, though I suspect we'll never hear another negative peep from him.
"But on the field, you can tell he knows he got a second chance. Everything he does is spot on. Everything. And with Mo Ways banged up and Drake Harris at cornerback, Grant is the veteran at receiver, and guys look to him. He's not taking that lightly. He knows all eyes are on him. I think he could have an Avant-like impact from like 2005 where he was the veteran and everyone else was a youngster and he went out and had a 1,000-yard season."
On the QB battle, the difference between Speight and O'Korn and then O'Korn and Peters, this observer thinks is significant. "No one is denying Brandon Peters' talent. He'll drop a ball in there 40 yards downfield right into the bread basket or he'll thread one across the middle that a linebacker and safety are licking their chops on and it splits them right into a tight end's hands. His physical skills are really impressive, but his pocket presence is going to have to improve dramatically. The things you keep hearing from the coaches ... about needing him to be more vocal and command the huddle ... I think the best advice I can give everyone is to slow down, be patient. This is a natural maturation process that needs to take place and the coaches understand that better than anyone. They're not panicked because they think Speight is a really good quarterback and they think O'Korn is, arguably, the best No. 2 in the Big Ten.
"Speight is special. I know fans don't think so. But for me, I'm watching a Brian Griese-level leadership here. I'm seeing Tom Brady in his final season. When you watch practice, you understand who the team believes is their quarterback. You can't hide from that realization because guys respond differently to the alpha and Wilton Speight is the alpha. It blows my mind that fans don't see it or don't want to believe it or dismiss the mental side of it but Jim Harbaugh LOVES this kid. I don't know that he will win a Big Ten title this year but I'd say that every single person in this program, every coach, every player, the equipment staff, the video guys, the trainers ... they all think he can."
On the OL: "So the first thing that jumps out to me is that they're more powerful. Part of that is the body composition of players like Bredeson and Onwenu, and Mason Cole attacking in the weight room this year. I think he learned a big-time lesson last year that just being good enough, just being strong enough, was NOT good enough. He had his hands full with some of those nose tackles and so he spent an offseason transforming himself from a pass-pro lineman to a tackle that can physically overpower you. I really like Patrick Kugler too. He reminds me of some of those guys like Kurt Anderson or Dave Pearson that maybe wasn't the best kid talent-wise but is so rock steady in the middle, and really what they need from that center position is the smartest guy on the field. They need a leader. They need a communicator. They would take a 10 from the mental side and an 8 physical versus the other way around.
"I'll be honest, jury is still out for me for this OL. It's hard to gauge because the starting unit defensively is, like, insane. When they go 1s vs 1s, I'd say it tilts 60-40 for the defense, and I might be being generous for the offense. But that line is ... and I am very cautious saying this, starting four is going to be better than last year's starting four. Alright, I said it, but I laugh because you don't understand how good Chris Wormley was in all facets of the game, and Taco Charlton was playing at a level in October/November that is comparable to Messner, Woodley, Graham. But still, this front four is so scary. So there's that.
"But here's what our problem has been the last few years ... the OL can't get it done against the better defenses it plays, and I'm struggling to figure out if our defensive line is just so ridiculously good that I shouldn't draw conclusions or is this a cause for concern because Ohio State's front seven is supposed to be stacked too, and Penn State and Wisconsin should both be really good too. I think as a collective fan base we are so desperate for the line to be capable, and we're all praying/fingers crossed, whatever. I just don't know."
So I was originally going to do defense too but that is so long. Also, when I quote, take it as a paraphrase. I didn't actually turn a recorder on when I was hanging with my friend!
Same guy on the defense......
Here's what my friend said about the defense.
? We could talk Rashan Gary but he wanted to highlight Chase Winovich: "So everything you're hearing about Rashan is legit, and Mo Hurst is going to put up some big-time numbers -- I'd be shocked if he doesn't approach 15-20 tackles for loss -- but the guy that could have the biggest year is Chase. He's not as big as Rashan but I think he's just as fast and quick. I mean, there's not going to be this giant shadow that Gary casts and Chase is just lucky to be in it. If Rashan wasn't here, we might be talking about Chase as an All-American. He just gets after it and gets after it and gets after it. I thought it was interesting that Rashan said the other day that Chase is a guy that energizes him. You can see it. His motor is like Brandon Graham's and he MIGHT be having as much fun as BG. I say might because I never saw anyone in my life that loved the game more than Brandon Graham.
"Anyway, the person I feel really bad for is the opponent running back. When he stays in to block, he's going to have to pick left or right and whatever decision he makes is going to be the wrong decision because if you go to help block Rashan, Chase is going to put pressure on the quarterback, and if you block Chase, your quarterback might get murdered."
On the LBs. "I'm really excited to see how good Mike McCray can be. He was getting by on athleticism and just pure adrenaline early in the season. As opponents got film on him, they started to outflank him or they targeted him for one of their linemen. Someone was always trying to put a hat on McCray and he didn't really know what to do. By November, though, you saw a guy that was starting to understand. He's been everywhere this fall. He might not be the guy getting the tackle but he's the guy allowing someone else to get the tackle.
"Devin Bush just runs and runs and runs, but what I like is he's not running around recklessly. Think about the difference between Ian Gold and Dhani Jones in 1997. Both created chaos but Ian Gold a lot of times ran past the quarterback or the running back (he got better at this later in his career) but Dhani Jones used that speed to make big plays. It was like controlled chaos. I think that's what we'll see out of Devin Bush this year.
"I don't have a great feel for Khaleke Hudson. I don't want to go immediately back to the well, but I think he might be like Ian Gold this year. Physically, people are going to notice him. He's going to make some plays but I think it'll be a little like Gold and Larry Foote when he was a sophomore - you felt him 3-5 times per game but you also wanted to rip your hair out a few times. The thing I give Don Brown credit for is he's going to tell Khaleke and a lot of these young guys just to go all out. If they make a mistake so be it, but he's confident that if he has 11 guys with their hair on fire that even if one guy misses the tackle, or even two, there will be nine guys rallying to the ball."
In that respect, the back end is critical. "I don't know if I can remember the last time a pair of safeties faced as much pressure as Tyree Kinnel and Josh Metellus do. The cornerbacks are going to make mistakes. The linebackers are so aggressive that there will be some times where tight ends are running free down the middle or a running back sneaks out and no one goes with him. They're going to give up more big plays this year unless the two safeties are just flat-out studs. I think they're very good, I don't know about studs.
"What I'm saying is, I wouldn't expect a lot of shutouts this year or games where teams score 10 or fewer points. I think teams will have some big plays for TDs and you'll just have to live with it. But the flip side is, I think they'll get more sacks and more tackles for loss and more turnovers than last year.
"And what you hope is that by the time they play the two best offenses on their schedule -- Penn State and Ohio State -- that those young guys have figured out how to succeed at the controlled chaos. And that two guys have emerged at cornerback with some consistency because I just don't know who it is right now. I don't think they do either. If the season started today, I'd have a hard time not starting Ambry Thomas and Keith Washington, but it's really anyone's guess."
Here's what my friend said about the defense.
? We could talk Rashan Gary but he wanted to highlight Chase Winovich: "So everything you're hearing about Rashan is legit, and Mo Hurst is going to put up some big-time numbers -- I'd be shocked if he doesn't approach 15-20 tackles for loss -- but the guy that could have the biggest year is Chase. He's not as big as Rashan but I think he's just as fast and quick. I mean, there's not going to be this giant shadow that Gary casts and Chase is just lucky to be in it. If Rashan wasn't here, we might be talking about Chase as an All-American. He just gets after it and gets after it and gets after it. I thought it was interesting that Rashan said the other day that Chase is a guy that energizes him. You can see it. His motor is like Brandon Graham's and he MIGHT be having as much fun as BG. I say might because I never saw anyone in my life that loved the game more than Brandon Graham.
"Anyway, the person I feel really bad for is the opponent running back. When he stays in to block, he's going to have to pick left or right and whatever decision he makes is going to be the wrong decision because if you go to help block Rashan, Chase is going to put pressure on the quarterback, and if you block Chase, your quarterback might get murdered."
On the LBs. "I'm really excited to see how good Mike McCray can be. He was getting by on athleticism and just pure adrenaline early in the season. As opponents got film on him, they started to outflank him or they targeted him for one of their linemen. Someone was always trying to put a hat on McCray and he didn't really know what to do. By November, though, you saw a guy that was starting to understand. He's been everywhere this fall. He might not be the guy getting the tackle but he's the guy allowing someone else to get the tackle.
"Devin Bush just runs and runs and runs, but what I like is he's not running around recklessly. Think about the difference between Ian Gold and Dhani Jones in 1997. Both created chaos but Ian Gold a lot of times ran past the quarterback or the running back (he got better at this later in his career) but Dhani Jones used that speed to make big plays. It was like controlled chaos. I think that's what we'll see out of Devin Bush this year.
"I don't have a great feel for Khaleke Hudson. I don't want to go immediately back to the well, but I think he might be like Ian Gold this year. Physically, people are going to notice him. He's going to make some plays but I think it'll be a little like Gold and Larry Foote when he was a sophomore - you felt him 3-5 times per game but you also wanted to rip your hair out a few times. The thing I give Don Brown credit for is he's going to tell Khaleke and a lot of these young guys just to go all out. If they make a mistake so be it, but he's confident that if he has 11 guys with their hair on fire that even if one guy misses the tackle, or even two, there will be nine guys rallying to the ball."
In that respect, the back end is critical. "I don't know if I can remember the last time a pair of safeties faced as much pressure as Tyree Kinnel and Josh Metellus do. The cornerbacks are going to make mistakes. The linebackers are so aggressive that there will be some times where tight ends are running free down the middle or a running back sneaks out and no one goes with him. They're going to give up more big plays this year unless the two safeties are just flat-out studs. I think they're very good, I don't know about studs.
"What I'm saying is, I wouldn't expect a lot of shutouts this year or games where teams score 10 or fewer points. I think teams will have some big plays for TDs and you'll just have to live with it. But the flip side is, I think they'll get more sacks and more tackles for loss and more turnovers than last year.
"And what you hope is that by the time they play the two best offenses on their schedule -- Penn State and Ohio State -- that those young guys have figured out how to succeed at the controlled chaos. And that two guys have emerged at cornerback with some consistency because I just don't know who it is right now. I don't think they do either. If the season started today, I'd have a hard time not starting Ambry Thomas and Keith Washington, but it's really anyone's guess."
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thewolverines24
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Thanks again for posting all of this. It's a great summary and about what I expect. I was hoping Peters could wrestle the starting job away because of his physical tools, but I'm perfectly fine with Speight winning the job. I just hope he improves his downfield passing game.
OL and secondary remain the biggest concerns and that is not surprising at all. Lewis is going to be impossible to replace. I'm not sure we even have a guy as good as Stribling was last year. Sounds like we'll see the OL have some struggles against the better defenses again this year. That's going to make the opener against UF a huge challenge.
OL and secondary remain the biggest concerns and that is not surprising at all. Lewis is going to be impossible to replace. I'm not sure we even have a guy as good as Stribling was last year. Sounds like we'll see the OL have some struggles against the better defenses again this year. That's going to make the opener against UF a huge challenge.
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thewolverines24
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I was hoping for the same. Starting a true freshman at CB is not ideal. Especially when Long and Hill were so highly regarded as recruits. Long was ranked as the number 8 CB in the country and Hill was 12th. Thomas was ranked as the 12th best CB last year. Clearly a highly regarded guy, but you'd hope the two with experience in the system could separate themselves. Maybe it's a sign of just how good Thomas is and I hope that's the case.
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thewolverines24
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One thing I really hope to see is Evans get involved in the passing game. He only had six receptions last year. If we are switching up to an offense with more spread elements, then he can take advantage of LBs in space. He was a great pass catcher in high school. Could be an interesting new element of the offense.
Gulo Blue
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Great stuff. But why can't we get the oline we want?
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thewolverines24
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Because Brady Hoke recruited horribly. He signed a total of five o-lineman in the 2014 and 2015 classes.
2014 - Mason Cole and Juwan Bushell-Beatty
2015 - Grant Newsome, Jon Runyan Jr, Nolan Ulizio
Cole and Newsome were both 4-stars. The rest were 3-star guys. Newsome is injured, so that hurts bad when you only sign five guys in two classes.
wlvrnstlr4life
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2015 was Harbaughs 1st class
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