Michigan Football: Tidbits with Odds and Ends

Posted at 4:00pm — 8/10/2008

Michigan Football: Tidbits with Odds and Ends

Depth at Defensive End:
Posters have been following closely to recruiting especially at the defensive end position. Some concerns may be justified. Of course, a great deal hinges on Brandon Graham and his future. Graham has really put in some much-needed time with Barwis this off-season and looks to have that break out season. Will it be enough to force him to look at early entry into NFL? If he does the defensive end situation at Michigan will become questionable. If he decided to return, Michigan will be solid for one more year at defensive end.

We have three players as back-ups at defensive end with Banks, RVB, and Patterson. Each has a different strength. Banks (the run stopper), RVB (probably the best at multiple skills), and Patterson (purely a pass rusher at this point).

From watching spring and early fall, it seems like RVB will become a starter next year and replace Jamison. The wildcard here is Patterson who was a surprisingly star in the workout room this off-season). Can he finally progress and play up to his potential? This spring at times, he seemed somewhat disinterested and was playing mainly with the third team. But the light has seemed to come on with Patterson and coaches are anxious to see if he can take that energy from the workout room and apply it to the football field.

Will someone move to Defensive End?
For those who may think Kevin Koger is a prime candidate we would put those thoughts on hold for now. The big reason is Butler. Butler is in the same position as Brandon Graham a player who is looking to have that break out year and become a hot commodity in the NFL draft.

If he does have a huge year we think he will leave Michigan, (Butler has never liked school along with the problems he has had while at Michigan). Keep in mind that Massey (who is the #2 Tight End right now)–is a senior. That leaves Webb who has struggled the potential of Clemons moving to Tight End (again my speculation), Watson (who fits somewhat into this offense), and then Koger.

Koger is way ahead of Moore at this point and has showed some very good athletic talent who besides played football and he played basketball (final four in the state finals and was in track and was in the state for several events. The kid is huge and may with another year of development become our #1 Tight End. So for now I would keep Koger in your minds at Tight End. Who knows he might have to play this season, but hope he can red-shirt.

No doubt, we need a pass-rushing athletic type of defensive end, but that is where you need to look at in recruiting.

Safeties:
We have been getting many questions about B. Smith and how he is doing. Answer is he is doing fine. Posters should keep in mind with Shafer’s defense and his wanting to put pressure on wide receivers by using press coverage with corner-backs the safety position is one best suited for veteran players. Our early impressions of Smith is he is a very physical player obviously well suited to defend the run, but has a long way to go in learning college pass coverage.

In addition, he is playing behind one of our most talented athletes on defense in S. Brown and probably our smartest player in Williams. Best case for Smith would be for him to red-shirt, but because of his abilities, we may see him on special teams.

One thing that is so noticeable about Coach Rod and practices:
Coach Rod is a very simple person when you really think about that it he is simply a football coach. He loves practices. Most good coaches really enjoy the teaching part of the game and Coach Rod is one of those. That is why we think he needs to hire a PR person someone who is level headed and not confrontational.

Quarterbacks:
Beginning to think we may see some sort of a two quarterback system. We do think that either Threet or Sheridan will win the number one job and the two quarterback will likely battle for the top spot. It will be interesting to see what athletic Quarterback makes the big impact. Now this quarterback may get a direct snap and simply run the ball like in third and short situations.

If season started today, my guess would be Carlos Brown.

A note on Grady:
Grady is still practicing. Most times they put him in with third group or at times he plays with first group, but mostly when they have a two running back formation. Grady has been impressive and this spring coaches really liked him so do not count him out.

Herron:
A kid that is somewhat fallen off in terms of being in the mix is Herron. He is rarely mentioned as being in the top five. He does play with second group, but for some reason he just either is thinking excessively much or has average football instincts. Great kid who works hard, but probably needs to make a major contribution on special teams for coaches to notice him.

Dorrestein vs. O’Neill:
Who would be first offensive tackle in game in case of injury? As of now Dorrenstein. O’Neill will put increased pressure on him as camp continues. O’Neill is simply a better athlete and could possibly play both offensive tackle spots although both Dorrestein and O’Neill seem better suited for right tackle. In Coach Rod’s system, the only offensive line position that seems to have its special needs is left tackle and that makes Ortmann a very important player to stay healthy.

Sagesse and Kates:
Have been getting snaps at defensive tackle sometimes with second group and sometimes Sagesse is with third group. Both seem to be in good shape and are going multiple snaps when they are in the scrimmage. Martin has been with third group and has had some good battles with Khoury and Barnum.

That is it for now thanks for reading.

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Written by GBMWolverine Staff

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