Michigan Football Recruiting: Grading 2014 Class — Part II — Defense
Posted at 2:00pm — 2/9/2014
Michigan Football Recruiting: Grading 2014 Class — Part II — Defense
In part I we discussed the important aspects of recruiting along with the hit and miss even at the NFL level with all the money they spend on evaluating talent at a higher level and how the college coaches have to deal with it from a high school level. Along with grading the offensive units.
Now we will discuss the defensive side of the ball.
DE: D
Don’t get me wrong: I think Lawrence Marshall should be a solid player, but I’m not sure he’s a disruptor like Shilique Calhoun or Noah Spence. But, as CoachBT as said, pass rusher has been the position this staff has failed most at obtaining. I would trade George Campbell and Damien Harris for Jashon Cornell, Keisean Lucier-South and Tyrone Wheatley Jr. right now. Missing out on Da’Shawn Hand and Malik McDowell without an adequate replacement hurts, no doubt. Think Furbush ends up here but we’ll see. Still, it is time to start adding some big time kids.
DT: B
We needed 1 techs and added, (IMO), two good ones. Bryan Mone has a TON of potential (IMO) just needs to get his body right and learn some fundamentals. But the kid is massive and moves well for his size. Really couldn’t be more excited about him, although his success is far from guaranteed. Brady Pallante is going to surprise people (IMO). His rating is low obviously, but as far as fit goes he is a MUCH better fit for UM’s system than most realize. Compact, strong, he’ll be a pure 1 tech on running downs: a niche role, for sure, but one he could fill nicely.
LB: B+
Think we definitely added a prototype Sam, Mike and Will with Winovich (Sam), Ferns (Mike) and Wangler (Will). All three are active players have the athleticism/skill set we are looking for. Winovich needs a red-shirt to add strength/weight but really is like the second coming of Ryan (IMO). Ferns is going to remind of Desmond except with the frame/length to play the Mike position. Like the intangibles a lot there. Wangler is athletic enough to play in space and I kids with good bloodlines a whole lot. Not huge, but moves well. And honestly, when LSU, PSU and MSU think you are a scholarship worthy LB, you probably are. Only thing is I don’t see any potential superstars although Winovich has the highest ceiling.
DB: A++
Can’t express this enough: you get a Peppers once every five years. The kid is a potential All American and game changer in the secondary. He is a leader with a ton of swagger. He gives this team something we sorely lacked last year and something that cannot be taught. Landing this kid was more important than any other recruit. Watson could be the sleeper of the year. Not a lot of film but a strong kid with great fundamentals who really brings the woods from all reports. A sleeper, but definitely a lot happier with him than overrated kids like Parker Westphal (who will be the second coming of Cullen Christian).
Part III we will discuss recruiting battles and prospect ranking the class from top to bottom.
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Written by GBMWolverine Poster — DieHard5661
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