Michigan Football Tidbits: Past Contributor Doc4Blu — Part 1
It has been a couple of years since I last viewed a college scrimmage. There are things I miss about college coaching and things I do not. Yesterday, I saw both what I miss and what I do not miss.
I ventured up the pike from Cowtown to observe the beloved Maize and Blue to gather information. In another sport, not football, I used to be a talent evaluator and “specialized” somewhat in motor skills and physical movements related to combining athletic and cognitive talents. In short, I loved the talent evaluation part of coaching.
Therefore, I ventured to the practice facility and met up with MaizeMan, ErocWolverine, and CoachBt. It was an honor and pleasure to spend time with these three men. I express appreciation for their knowledge, time, dedication, and information they provide to this site. I guarantee you that their accuracy and perception are far, far above the casual observer. I use the word exemplary with confidence. There is service to the rest of us in what they do. ErocWolverine has “blessed” this post, since it is important to me not to “muck up” what is coming from the info all the above provide. Although it is an “independent observation” this observation aligns almost entirely with what you have or will soon, view on the screen.
Practice organization: Coaches and players were out a full 45 minutes before scrimmage. This is a good sign, and this does not happen everywhere and all the time. The players were very business-like. The thing I noticed the most, was that the only time players talked was when they asked questions of a coach or supported each other. Support ranged from the “lowly” fourth team walk-on being supported by the starting vet or vice versa.
Leadership: You heard about it before. This is a young team and leaders will self-select themselves or be selected by the coaches. On a good team, everyone adopts the role of a leader. The guys are not there yet. Clearly, the players with the most potential for leadership on the defense are Obi and S. Brown.
Vlad and Hawthorne: MaizeMan hit this with the big 40-pound hammer. Vlad is a well above average “physical specimen.” He also is well above average in his early progression. I can see no scenario, besides injury, in which Vlad will not play. His future looks bright, but be careful as to not anoint with AA honors yet. He is good, very good. However, it is a long road to the top for db’s in college ball. Hawthorne might be one of the biggest surprises of the early Coach Rod era. I am now convinced young Mr. Hawthorne down the road will contribute. Yes, indeed, size is needed, but he seems to “be a football player.” I believe the early entry will help him greatly.
Woolfolk: It is easy to see why MaizeMan likes Woolfolk so much. He exudes class and has skills. This is probably the best time of his life.
Boo-boo: Good, real good. If the ball is underthrown, he will find it. The meek will inherit the earth, but by that time Boo-boo will be on another planet. He is not meek.
Stevie Brown: This move is his best and last shot. Citizen of the year type, very impressive guy who likely will be very successful after football.
B. Graham: CoachBt states “in his opinion” this is the best player on the team. Coach is being too humble. Forget opinion, this is the best player on the team. The real question will be who is the most valuable. Now that is another discussion.
M. Martin: Sorry to not see him play. He is a monster, a real beast. It takes little knowledge or observation to make that conclusion. Big time, period.
Ryan VB: Getting bigger, good player, likely will go forward, not backward.
Bill Will: Is working hard, listening, and is a monster. Frankly, he is behind in technique and fundamentals, compared to the typical kid who hits campus. The question is how much does he play. If there were two or more high end back-ups redshirt would not be a bad option. I cannot see this happening with the depth on defense.
Lb’s: Ouch. It was embarrassing to see coaches at a practice watching the all-time winningest team drilling six linebackers. Fitz is bigger and clearly has potential, Herron is a measurable freak, likely could become a great American Gladiator. Demens and Evans, not bad, do what they can. Obi, by default, is now the leader of the pack. I observed him conversing with the coaches learning what he should have done, what others should have done, and being a leader, all simultaneously. Difficult, very difficult, say some prayers. This group is willing but in need of help, serious help, and quickly. Coach Hops body language indicated a respect for his troops and also a realization that he is really up against it this year. If this group survives and thrives this year: a near miracle. It could happen.
D resources and depth: Coach mentioned that the defense depth is scary. This is not a casual observation; it is indeed obvious and true. Scrimmage or not, I was shocked as to the talent level on the field with the 2nd’s and 3rd’s. Just flat shocked. Walk-ons, locals, etc. doing what they could as best they could. Forget the academic discussion of how UM got into this position. The real question is how will UM get out of this position. The only answer I know is purposeful, planned, and effective recruiting of premium targeted D players, sooner, because later will be too late. The resources in this program, players and coaches, are offensive top-heavy. The D staff (4!) needs more help and more than anything, this program needs an infusion of no-brainer high-level talent on D, not 40 kids looking to be coached up. I think Roh/Turner is a start. But there needs to be 6-10 Roh/Turner’s every year. The db’s need a MINIMUM of four very good recruits this year, six is not out of touch. It is not out of line believing some of the plethora of receivers could end up here. But that is risky. Coach Rob and Coach Hops are fine coaches. That is of little consequence if the O talent is far superior to your D talent. Forget competing for the Big Ten title until the D talent gets better. Best case scenario is two years.
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If you have any questions please e-mail erocwolverine@gmail.com
Written by Doc4Blu
