Coach’s Corner: Split Ends:

Posted at 8:00am — 8/15/2010

Coach’s Corner: Breakdown of the Split Ends:

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The #1 uncertainty for the wide receiver group entering the 2010 season is what position does Roy Roundtree primarily play? This spring Roy split time between split end and slot receiver. The GBMWolverine staff values him at both positions, but prefers he play slot receiver.

Split Ends:

1) Daryl Stonum – Daryl has good straight line speed and improved hands. Daryl has matured physically and it is obviously time for this highly talented young man to step and be an impact player. Besides split end, Daryl will have another chance for impact, running back kickoffs. He should be one of the premier return specialists in the Big Ten.

Of course much of Daryl’s success depends on how well and how often the quarterbacks get the ball downfield, which in part is linked to offensive philosophy and play calling. Michigan followers have seen or read about the attitudinal difficulties the wideouts have exhibited the last two years. One time the wide out may have been open but the quarterback did not throw, instead going into a lateral scramble mode, unfortunately resulting in wideouts giving up and not always running back to help out by finding an open spot (typical scramble drill) or setting up for a block on the perimeter. Another time the quarterback may have had adequate time but the wideout may have half-heartedly run a pass route, with the attitude of why bother?

This site cannot state the obvious too often, that the Michigan offense must get the ball down field to back up the defense so that the running game can enjoy the space and seams needed to break runs (planned not broken play scrambles) of more than just a couple of yards. Also, elite wideouts will not truly consider programs where the wideouts have limited catches.

2) JeRon Stokes – JeRon was slowed by injuries late in the spring but he has the skills to contribute. He would benefit from a bit more strength and conditioning working with Coach Barwis.

3a) Jerald Robinson – Jerald is a physical split end with excellent hands, good quickness and solid speed. He also could benefit from some extra time with Mr. Barwis. Jerald could easily be listed #2. Jerald has good size and is athletic.

3b) Ricardo Miller – Ricardo has very good hands and seems quicker than we thought. He is tall and rangy, and uses his height and long arms to his advantage. He needs to get bigger and stronger. Ricardo has a strong chance of playing as a true freshman.

4) Jeremy Jackson – Jeremy has great hands and like Ricardo uses his height and long arms well. Jeremy shows good jumping ability, speed is an issue, and he could use a good twenty pounds of muscle.

***Wildcard – Junior Hemingway – Junior was out much of the spring, he provides a physical presence on the outside and uses his body well to shield defenders. He is a solid downfield blocker. Junior must stay healthy!

Junior has good hands, but is an average overall athlete. A player can be effective with average speed, if he is explosive or quick in and out of route cuts.

Hemmingway is neither of the above and this has made getting separation difficult. With so many teams playing jam or press coverage, it is imperative that split ends be able to separate.

In this offense size at split end is a premium. Blocking ability is the thing that will decide more than anything else who receives the most playing time. Watch the highlight tape of Cincinnati’s running offense and watch the split ends block, it is a thing of beauty.

Blocking down field is one the most underrated, underappreciated talents in football. It is also difficult to accomplish play after play. When watching game film that includes long runs, more often than not the observer will see a split end pinning a cornerback to the boundary opening up a vertical alley.

If healthy GBMWolverine believes Hemingway and Stonum start at wideout, with Roundtree and Odoms at slot. As the season enters the second half, and some of the young guns gain experience, things might get interesting.

The only problem with Roundtree at split end is his size. In this offense bigger, more physical split ends are preferred. We have concerns with Roundtree beating jams at split end. But remember, although Roundtree may not impress on the surface, his greatest asset is performance. More than any other wideout or slot on the team, Roundtree gets the job done. More than any other receiver on the team, Roundtree can get vertical yardage from the slot position.

Written by GBMWolverine Staff

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