Michigan Football Tidbits: Position Breakdown — Coach Dews and Split Ends

Michigan Football Tidbits: Position Breakdown — Coach Dews and Split Ends

There’s been a lot of discussion about Michigan split ends and their play. Six players got meaningful reps at scrimmage. In addition, Coach Dews talked about what the staff looks for in split ends. I apologize beforehand, because I know this is going to end up reading like a mini-rant.

First the players:
1) Greg Matthews: Reliable is the word you think of with him; he is a solid performer.

2) Hemingway: When I watched him as a freshman, I thought he would be a star. He is not a burner, but just a dynamic player. Not sure if it is because he has been injured, but he is not there at this point. Let us hope he gets it back.

3) Stonum: Same as Hemingway. Last year we thought he had the potential to be special. He has not been the same player this year. Let us hope he gets it back.

4) Rogers: Might be the fastest split end, he can move and is a smooth athlete. However, he has not put it all together yet. Let us hope it clicks!

5) Roundtree: Catches everything! Lack of size is a factor. He is very small. Still have hopes he can be a big contributor.

6) Savoy: Yes, he is still around. Every spring we watch him play and think he just might help. Then every season we look dumb for thinking this. He made a couple of nice catches when we saw him practice including one with two defenders draped all over him. Have not mentioned him much hoping that the curse will lift and the kid will contribute.

I mention these kids to show there is some talent at split end. Is it the best talent in the conference or country? Probably not, but more than enough if motivated; with help from the rest of the offense, they can get job done.

Coach Dews: Thought he did nice a job at the coaches clinic.

First off, just dispelling some misconceptions about Michigan and split end play was important. Coach Dews called them false perceptions. His quote was great, “I am just dumb enough to want to win”. He was talking about Michigan’s style of play and the way they want to use split ends.

He also asked why anyone would think he would want to coach receivers on a team that doesn’t pass. That was a great point, and it doesn’t make sense that he would try to coach, recruit, and teach the position if it wouldn’t serve any purpose.

What will follow is what Coach Dews told us what Michigan looks for in split ends. Think you will find it interesting. Let me also say Coach Dews is very dynamic at practice I talked to another coach at Saturday’s scrimmage, and he thought Coach Dews was very impressive during chalk-talks Friday night.

It is never easy to replace a popular coach like “Soup” Campbell, especially when he was an assistant coach who was a former Michigan player. Long history there. Will not comment on who is better of the two; we will leave that to the people much smarter than us by keeping our thoughts to ourselves. We will say Michigan could do a lot worse than having Coach Dews on staff.

Things he stated in the clinic:

1) We want players to graduate and get that Michigan degree.

2) Want players who love football.

3) Dews said Michigan makes no promises, they want players who love to compete. They tell the kids there is an opportunity to compete for playing time, no matter who you are or how long you’ve been here.

4) Dews said that his model of a complete player at split end is Hines Ward of the Steelers.

5) Dews teaches his players to be mentally and physically tough–to get their shots in, because the defense will take their shots. Nothing dirty, though.

6) He likes athletic players such as basketball players and multi-sport players with quick feet and hips, who are very fluid athletes.

7) Everybody (including Michigan) is looking for a Larry Fitzgerald type–a player with natural football skills and body control

8) Height and weight: Recruit best split ends regardless of height and weight. In general, the smaller players are more dynamic while the bigger players are more aggressive.

Two most important attributes:
1) Release: Beat press coverage and no shimmy shakes.
2) Good at top of route.

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Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine