Michigan Football Tidbits: Stock up and stock down list

Stock Up:

1) Vlad: I do not think people realize how hard it is to come into a school like Michigan and become a starter after ten practices, but not only has he done that–unless something drastic happens it won’t change, and he has to perform at a very high level for this defense to be successful. Our fall back right now, even though B. Smith is the current back up, would probably move Williams over to strong safety.

2) Huyge: Have to admit this one came out of nowhere, but it is an example of how current coaches pay attention to everything including drill work. Keep waiting to see him look out of place, but so far, he looks to have earned the spot.

3) Webb: Going to put this one in the category of “was wrong about the kid”. Really thought Webb would have transferred by now and just did not think he “loved” football enough to handle Barwis. However, coaches challenged him this winter and he looks to have accepted the challenge. If he continues this kind of improvement, he is a potential first day NFL draft pick. In scrimmage Saturday he caught a swing pass–40 yards later the defense finally caught him, and then he dragged tacklers for another seven yards.

4) Boo-boo: Still working on fundamentals, but has become a physical corner and although his style of play will give up some plays once in a while, he has separated himself as being the top corner on the roster right now.

5) Ortmann: Looks great and is playing great. Left side of our offensive line is strongest.

6) Omameh: Still not a starter, but is getting better every day and is getting closer. By fall, will not be concerned if he is playing, but still might be a year away.

7) Matthews: Took a while for him to buy in, but as of right now it is Matthews at wide receiver and then flip a coin with Stonum and Hemingway. But remember–they will rotate a lot at this position.

8) Odoms: Competition just does not seem to faze him and he has solidified his position as the #1 slot, but again look for them to use several others this year in the rotation.

9) B. Graham: On this list, only because he needs to be our impact player and he has performed up to expectations. He is our impact player on defense.

10) Woolfolk: From back up cornerback to starting free safety. Is it because of our lack of players, or is he legit?. Time will tell, but so far so good.

11) S. Brown: Think he has found his position.

12) Herron: Not completely sold yet, but he is our best candidate for this “spinner position.” His productivity could determine the defense’s success.

13) Olesnavage: He sure put on a good performance this weekend. He gets his kicks up very quickly and they are hard to block. Based on what we saw Saturday, the kicking game looks to be in good shape.

14) C. Brown: He needed a scrimmage like Saturday to give us confidence and he sure had a great practice. Remember, though, it was against the second team defense.

Stock Down:

1) Stonum: Keep waiting for him to break out, but he never seems to. Granted they do not throw him the ball, but maybe it is because he simply does not get open. When they do throw the ball, he has dropped them. Potential is a tired word when describing Stonum it is time for him to find a way to contribute.

2) T-Robinson: Too many drops. He works hard, does everything asked, but needs to make plays when called upon. One problem he and Tate had is that when Tate threw the ball high to him, he tipped it instead of catching it, and tips can result in interceptions.

3) B. Smith: Maybe too harsh. He did have a finger injury, but it is time to compete. If you have the ability, do not pout, go out and give everything you have and you will play. Think he has to mature a little and overcome some doubts. Still love the kid, but was somewhat disappointed in his competitiveness.

4) Ferrara: Might have been just a bad day and he has to be considered in top nine offensive linemen, but think Barnum would take his place when healthy.

Note: Coach Rod says he wants at least eight offensive linemen who can play. They appear to have them now: starters, plus Omameh, Barnum, and Dorrestein. Ferrara and McAvoy could also play. Khoury is on third team, but he may be the closest to moving up. He would probably be second team if McAvoy were not a senior.

Once again, all incoming freshmen are expected to be at Michigan by the start of summer school. Barnum, Shaw, and Mouton are expected to participate in summer. Warren is the wild card depending on how scope goes after spring.

All other players not listed did what was expected nothing great, but nothing to hurt there spot on depth chart.

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Written by MaizeMan and ErocWolverine

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