Michigan Football Tidbits: Part 1

As reported, earlier this year being a red shirt in Coach Rod’s program is much different from in the past. The red shirts practice, are members of scout team, but also go through was equivalent of a lower intense off-season program.

Some observations:

1) O’Neill:
He has or at least looks like he has become much bigger in fact, he looks to me like our biggest offensive linemen in terms of both height and weight. His issues with the transition to college football have already been mentioned, but my opinion is he will be a huge benefactor from Barwis excessive running program in off-season. A little more agility and toughness and he could make a move next year or at least be ready for starting role by his red shirt sophomore year.

Note:
He plays predominately right tackle in practice although he has also been used on the inside. Coaches do not like to play a freshman at the tackle position, but they would also really like to look at moving Schilling inside. In order for that to happen O’Neill would have to really be dominant in spring and fall sessions next year.

2) Khoury:
He started out very fast out of the gate this year. In fact, at one time coaches considered taking the red shirt off him (ahead of all freshmen) because of his ability to play both offensive center and offensive guard. However, seems to have hit somewhat of a wall during the season (very common during freshmen season). Khoury is one of those kids who really needs to maintain his athletic flexibility, but at the same time increase strength substantially.

Note:
I see Khoury as a primary back up in 2009 will be part of the 2-deep. Could push Molk (although Molk has continued to improve) and of course they could always move Mooseman back to offensive center. So in effect Khoury would have to pass over both Molk and Mooseman in order to gain a starting position and I just don’t see it. I project Khoury to be a starter by his junior year for sure and maybe by his sophomore year.

3) Barnum:
He is another player who is obviously bigger than when he showed up in fall. Huge expectations are being placed on Barnum and so far, he has exhibited very good work habits. He has to become more physical. Strength will be an area of need to improve, but also is his ability to be consistently tough in practice.

Note:
Although passing up McAvoy should not be a big problem Ferrara is a different story. Athletically Barnum is way ahead of all of the interior players even as a freshman, but toughness and consistency is holding him back. A season with Barwis and spring practice hopefully give him some incentive to realize he could be in starting line-up next year.

4) Omameh:
Just my opinion, but fans, poster, bloggers need to tone down the hype surrounding Omameh. Agree there is optimism about his potential and agree that he surpassed expectations this year. He is very raw, but much tougher than people anticipated and has improved steadily as season continues. During first few practices Jamsion and Graham, easily bull rushed him. His fundamentals and strength were inferior to others, but it is not so easy for Jamison and Graham today in fact in some practices Omameh not only hold his own, but also does not allow any penetration from our defensive ends. In addition, he has shown a desire to really want to play which also was a pleasant surprise since other BB players that came to Michigan had a very tough transition period.

Note:
He has been playing left tackle mostly. He is still more of a finesse player and will probably not be a starter at Michigan until he shows the ability to blow people off the ball. But or real lack of players able to play left tackle may speed up his playing time. I look for his sophomore year before we really hear from him.

Part 2 later today

written by MaizeMan and ErocWolverine