GBMWolverine: Michigan Football Recruiting — Dennis Norfleet (PR/KR/RB/Slot) — 2012 Signed — Profile
Posted at 6:00am — 2/6/2011
GBMWolverine: Michigan Football Recruiting — Dennis Norfleet (PR/KR/RB/Slot) — 2012 Signed — Profile
GBMWolverine readers: Here is a brief overview of recent verbal commitment Dennis Norfleet from Martin Luther King High School — Detroit, Michigan.
Height: 5’7
Weight: 170
Number: 21
Current Position: Running Back
Future Position: Punt/Kick Returner, Running Back, and Slot Receiver.
City/State: Detroit, Michigan
High School: Martin Luther King
Head Coach: Dale Harvel
Recruiter: Coach Jeff Hecklinski
Committed: 2/1/2012
Top 5 other Offers: Cincinnati, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Southern Methodist, and Tennessee.
Rankings: 24/7: 4-star … ESPN: 3-star … Rivals: 4-star … Scout: 4-star.
40-Time: 4.34
Class: 2012 Michigan Wolverine Recruiting Class (Signed).
Another surprise occurred on signing day as Cincinnati commit Dennis Norfleet received and accepted a Michigan offer. While not the 300-pound tackle Michigan has been seeking, Dennis Norfleet brings promise to his college career and could fill important needs in the future.
Overview:
Dennis Norfleet is a smallish, multi-talented athlete who can help a team win in many ways. He has played and can play running back, slot receiver, and kick returner. At Detroit Martin Luther King High School Norfleet rushed for over 2000 yards in 2011 and notched over 5000 yards for his career.
Beware of the small guy stereotype, as Norfleet is one tough hombre! He is an athlete with a football mentality.
Strengths:
On film Norfleet clearly shows he plays the game of football with a passion and edge the GBMWolverine staff loves. He has very good movement skills that include well above average burst, quick feet, and acceleration. Norfleet gets to and through the hole in a hurry.
Frankly a trait only a few Michigan backs have displayed lately. He also shows good balance, is very hard to knock off his feet, and is very good coming out of the backfield. His ability to catch the ball is also a strength.
Needs work:
Anytime a major college team recruits a running back at 5’7” 165 pounds, size and durability will immediately be discussed as possible areas of concern. Even though great at accelerating and cutting through the hole, it is a stretch to call Norfleet a home run hitter as he can be caught from behind. So, top-end gear may not be up to some other backs. The concerns with Norfleet need to be countered with his toughness and the fact that he will probably not be Michigan’s go to running back.
His career will almost certainly start at kick returner and slot receiver. There are numerous examples of players like Norfleet making big impacts at major programs in the last decade, and it is not a stretch to envision Norfleet being very successful in his college career. Film indicates many high school players giving up after Norfleet put a move on them, in college he will not have this luxury. So the first test becomes how soon he adjusts to better competition.
Final Thoughts:
Many of the GBMWolverine Staff liked Norfleet a year ago and wondered how soon Michigan would offer. It was understood why Michigan was not all over a small slot receiver with the change in personnel and philosophy. Truth be known, this staff is glad Norfleet committed. He is a kid that has overcome size and has the ability to overcome adversity.
We welcome Dennis Norfleet to Michigan and hope he has a successful career on and off the football field as a student-athlete at the University of Michigan. Go Blue!
Red-shirt or play his Freshman Year?
GBMWolverine believes he will likely red-shirt his first year. Michigan has been in need of a meaningful kick return game for several years. Norfleet may not be Stevie Breaston, but the bet here is he is better than what has been on the field in the Big House the last few years. Jeremy Gallon secured the ball and broke a few over the 30-yard line last year, but that was pretty much it. The only way Norfleet will not redshirt is injuries to the slot group or he clearly is Michigan’s best bet at kick returner. To do that Norfleet must sell the coaches that he, as a freshman, can hang on to the ball. Otherwise a red-shirt would turn out a tough 180-pound quick cutter ready to go in 2013.
Dennis Norfleet reminds the GBMWolverine Staff of — Former Michigan Football Player — Jamie Morris — who played running back. Scouts and analysis were saying the exact same about Jamie coming out of high school as confirmed by Coach Bt’s clinic notes.
Highlight Videos:
Norfleet lands at Michigan: 2/1/12
Detroit King Football #21 Dennis Norfleet Senior Highlights
Dennis Norfleet Junior Highlights-Max Ex Mix
Dennis Norfleet Sophmore Highlights ’09
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff
Go Blue — Wear Maize!