Michigan Football Tidbits: Just some thoughts on early developments and practices

1) Going to have to admit we did not expect more defections this early. As we have stated in we fully expected a couple more players and we think there may even be a few more by the start of spring practice next year. Having said that keep these things in mind

A year ago when players complained or did not “buy in” there were plenty of players who would come to their defense. It was almost an US (players) against them (coaches) type of atmosphere.

This year when players don’t want to put in the time or effort or do not want to “buy in” not only are the coaches all over them, but when they seek out comfort from fellow players they tell then to get lost.

2) Both Evans and Helmuth are really great kids. But they lost the desire to play last year. Remember when Helmuth swelled up to almost 300 lbs and some claimed he was trying to add weight so he could play defensive tackle. This is somewhat impossible for any player to go through Coach Barwis program properly and gain that type of weight.

3) Again we know it is a repeat of what some of us have been harping on this is a new program and Coach Rod is a simple coach and just does not know how to coach a football team other than having expectations of everyone giving 100% and 100% of the time. This team is much closer to where Coach Rod wants, but do not kid yourself its not all the way there yet.

4) Webb has really become a good football player. Keep in mind that Webb was a Carr recruit and some of the players left over from Carr regime have had difficulty with transition. Webb is an example of a kid who benefited greatly with the change. He was basically a non-factor, uninspired football player. But along came Coach Barwis and Webb had to make a choice between football or just quitting. Webb with surprise to most (including us) took the challenge and now be primed to have a huge breakout year.

5) Another practice, another impressive performance from Tate. Another huge difference between D. Robinson and Tate which may be a small difference to some is ball handling skills. Even handoffs seem so much smoother. Running back’s do not seem to have to adjust their footwork. Tate’s willingness to work on the “little things” in football is going to pay off.

6) The Gordon’s: Have to say early on both of these kids impress us in terms of their willingness to be coached and to compete. Thomas Gordon especially have caught coaches eye and we think is going to one of those kids who may become an effective special team player. Cameron is holding his own at split end.

7) The surprise early leader at split end is Hemingway. He has been the most consistent early on (but of course things do not matter till they hit).

8) Most improved linebacker (Fitzgerald) his footwork (quickness has been obvious) the linebacker who needs additional work (Smith) seems awkward at times with his footwork. We do understand linebacker is new for him.

9) Have we told people lately just how impressive on a daily basis Vincent Smith is. Is not his talent its just he seems to never make a mistake and just is so quick and so hard to tackle.

10) When you watch practice you cannot help but like Coach Tall as a coach, just wish he would recruit harder.

11) The three freshmen offensive line Coach Frey does a ton of footwork drills. A year ago all the offensive linemen including Schilling struggled in those drills. The impressive thing is both Schofield and Lewan really does well in those drills and Q. Washington struggles some which we think due to his size. Q. Washington is going through the process of changing his body.

12) Just a thought, but with Teric now playing cornerback and Coach Rod already offering the junior cornerback at Cass Tech could that be a reason why Mathis seemingly is not an option for Michigan.

13) Shaw is running fine, looks explosive to me, but he needs to catch the ball better out of the backfield. The most impressive at catching the ball is Cox.

14) They worked a ton on tackling and open field tackling drills. The tackle dummies since they cannot hit.

15) LaLota sure looks different than he did in spring, but still needs to red shirt.

16) Early on (when compared to last year) they are spending more time on special teams.

17) Coach Rod always says he wants big players playing fast just our opinion and we do hesitate because maybe it is just because of the way they practice, but this team seems fast and must faster than teams in the past.

J. Turner is in and that is some good news. Still waiting on Whitty.

We hope to give more detailed report once scrimmages start. Then we will know a lot more.

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Written by MaizeMan and ErocWolverine

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