Michigan Football Tidbits: Summer Workouts
Had a chance to watch workouts in Ann Arbor. Couple of comments:
Have been lucky enough to be able to at times watch Michigan football up close. The Coach Rod tenure has had a pretty rough start and like all of you we live and die on Saturdays watching our favorite team.
For some unknown or hard to explain reason we find ourselves having a sense of calm or having less anxiety over Michigan football. Reason after watching the kids go through workouts we truly believe the kids are doing everything they can to develop as football players, get in great shape and put in the necessary time to be successful.
On the boards / blogs we can all agree to disagree over issues like schemes, coaching decisions, recruiting, and all other issues that pertain to football, but in our opinion one thing it is hard to argue or disagree about is the effort being put in by these kids.
Now understand that many other BCS college programs have similar programs and similar expectations from their players.
In the past when Michigan would play on Saturday we found even on days we won there was just something missing or felt somewhat empty because we just did not feel Michigan was playing up to potential.
We know the goal is to win, but really believe that quickly Michigan football will exhibit that “killer instinct” that has been missing for years.
We just need to get some more talented players.
Just some kids who look physically ready to go:
Herron: No doubt he has put in the work and now we find out if he can play.
Moundros: Wonder just how good he would be if he played in a pro system, but this kid is big and quick for a fullback.
Vlad: Keep saying this, but just do not remember Michigan having a safety that looks like a natural at safety. He says he is close to 100%. What a huge sleeper in last years class.
B. Graham: Early in his career we questioned his work ethic. No longer.
Martin: Impact player? Lets hope he can stay healthy. We think he will surprise some people rushing the passer.
Schilling: After a very slow start with Barwis a year ago, in which he lost a ton of weight his weight is not only back, but he is over 300 lbs. His move to offensive guard seems to agree with him. Think he has a future which includes playing on Sundays.
Fitzgerald: Another kid who struggled with Barwis early on, but is getting bigger and bigger.
Matthews: Big difference in how he simply walks around Schembechler Hall. A year ago he moped around, did not run routes in summer quickly. When coaches were not around at times he would walk back to huddle in players practice or simply sit plays out. This year he is vocally telling freshman and other wide receivers to step it up a notch and to finish routes etc. Expect a big year.
Tate: Workaholic which we all know this, but have been surprised that he seems to be able to throw the ball forever.
D. Robinson: He looks good throwing the ball, but (warning) all quarterbacks look good throwing in skeleton drills.
Ortmann: This spring early on Ortmann was under the microscope. He had the pressure of having to perform or Michigan would of been going in another direction. As of now Ortmann is a sure starter who has answered the challenge.
Omameh: Got off to a slow start in spring and Huyge was the biggest surprise. Throughout the spring the first teams running game continued to improve, but by the end of spring Omameh had gained ground. So much so that right now Huyge is still the front runner, but it is close.
Barnum: Has just been hampered by injuries and needs to show in fall he is ready. Coaches love his potential, but he has not been healthy enough to compete. We see him as back-up early next year on the interior.
B. Smith: Hard to judge B. Smiths attitude because he is working hard, but his problem has not been work ethic it has been competing in practice. Hope his move to linebacker will allow him to just play and not over think.
Hawthorne: Has gained some weight, but still looks thin.
Jones: Also is thin, but seems to have gained more weight than Hawthorne.
Mouton: Looks ready to go.
Stonum: Will get every opportunity to win a spot and the reason for this is he is just that much more talented.
Hemingway / Savoy: Would be safe way to go, but probably wont unless Stonum shows he cant play (ala catch the ball).
Stokes: Will be one to watch, but just where will be the question.
Roundtree: Think coaches know what he can do and will play, but just do not think he starts.
Break out year: Boo-Boo, Woolfolk, and hopefully Herron (We need these players to step up).
Not a lot of information, but not a ton going on except kids going through workouts and drills.
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Written by MaizeMan and ErocWolverine
