Posted at 8:00am — 2/2/2011
Michigan Football: Meeting Needs Through Organization
Long-term planning is more than a random luxury, it is a necessity in any major venture. And make no mistake, Division One college football is a big venture. The top programs have a vision, recruiting pull, resources, and a plan that pulls everything together to insure success.
One typical organizational endeavor that is almost universal is long-term planning of depth by positions through a roster of roughly 85 players. There is a need to not saturate one position at the expense of another. There is a need to balance positions in a staggered manner to prevent all the talent at a position being attached to one year. Red-shirting helps with this concern, but is not sufficient in itself to insure perfect staggering.
As stated there are many components of long-term management, but below is a look at only one: Michigan’s status regarding long-term roster balance.
Throughout the 2010 season and beforehand, Michigan lacked depth and quality at several key spots, mostly on the defensive side of the ball. Recruiting takes care of quality and planning takes care of roster balance. Most big-time programs have a board that looks three years ahead regarding who will play and what is needed for the future.
For several years Michigan has not enjoyed a balanced roster or depth at key positions; there will be no discussion here as to the whys, only an acknowledgment of the reality.
Coach Hoke had two weeks and a few days to put forth an effort to garner players that could overcome such program deficiency. By and large if major deficiencies take two years to create and show up, the situation takes two years to solve. Few programs have deficiencies large enough that more than three years should be needed for noted improvement.
Linebackers:
This has been a sore spot for at least three years, both depth and quality wise. Again, the reasons as to the whys and the who’s of responsibility will not be debated. As of now Michigan has lost two linebackers of some ability and accomplishment to graduation. Last year’s recruiting crop was thin, highlighted by a very athletic player Josh Furman. Hybrids have abounded, positions and schemes have changed, and some ducks have been left out of water.
The staff has made good gains on this front. It took no genius to figure out that this position was more than a must, it is (hopefully someday was can be used) uber critical. So far Antonio Poole. Kellen Jones, and Desmond Morgan have joined the fold. All three are athletic enough to have a shot at being better than average at the D-1 level. Leilon Willingham could easily make this a foursome. There may not be a player here that can come in next year and start, but all of those named should contribute by year three, if not year two (think special teams).
Blanket statement – considering the leaks in the hatch- great job coaches. Now the next planning step will be selected difference makers at all positions.
Cornerback:
This is a tough area to judge talent. There are barometers such as smooth backpedaling, very good and quick hips, breaking on the ball, strength to jam, and pure speed. So, get plenty and someone will shake out as the best. The rest back up. play nickel or dime, or go to safety. Michigan has some good prospects, but again it will be difficult to expect any of these guys to be even an average Big Ten corner next year. Blake Countess may be the best overall package, but the others have some skills that they may be better at. Carter, Brown, Taylor and Hollowell will all battle and see what shakes out.
Next year Michigan will have red-shirt freshmen, sophomores, and true freshman helped out by two veterans. So far, no one can say that anyone in this group is the real deal. But get enough and some will float to the top. That seems to be the case this year. There are good physical skills and smarts in the incoming group. The real determination might be who has the skills to cover and remain at cornerback? Next year Michigan will have red-shirt freshmen, sophomores, and true freshman helped out by two veterans. So far, no one can say that anyone in this group is the real deal. But get enough and some will float to the top. That seems to be the case this year. There are good physical skills and smarts in the incoming group. The real determination might be who has the skills to cover and remain at cornerback?
Kicker:
You pays your money, you takes your chances with kickers. There is no reason to think young Wile will not be a good one, just maybe not next year. He will likely win the kick-off job.
D-Line:
This area is still the biggest ouch and will certainly be Michigan’s A+ recruiting effort next year. Yes, everyone is hoping that the staff gets one piece of good news, but one alone will not get the job done. There are recruits at defensive end, but little likelihood of immediate impact.
Offensive line:
The Wolverines have landed two road graders this year- Posada and Bryant. Both will have to work hard to get and stay in shape and both will need to work on the finer points of being a lineman.
Receivers:
Clark and Heitzman may play tight end and maybe not, so next year will be a target year for recruits that can contribute to the new system. The WCO can use wings, so a good wing or two is still ok around these parts.
Quarterback:
Even with a pocket game, a program must have three good options. Picking up a smart, strong arm, good athlete who is at least 6’ 3” is a really good deal. So good, some may (or may not) be saying down the road “How did UM get Bellomy.”
Bottom line – UM salvaged a good year from a near desert of three weeks ago. Next year the goal will be a great year and long-term planning will no doubt play a part.
Written by GBMWolverine Staff
Go Blue — Wear Maize!