Michigan Football: More from the Wolverine Spring “Game”
Posted at 6:00am — 4/17/2012
Michigan Football: More from the Wolverine Spring “Game”
Here are several comments from an article we did on the message board. Please take a moment to read them along with coming to the message board and seeing the entire article.
The first observation has been made by everyone, everywhere. Michigan does indeed need big work on both lines, both numbers and execution wise. I will break this down into several parts. But this is nothing new, and some may not be a topic of constant conversation.
This is the best time to introduce what I consider a true coaching staff choice for next year: take some lumps and develop most of the incoming red-shirts, or play several guys early for depth, hoping to steal a tough game or two.
Question number two revolves around Devin Gardner. Fans certainly missed Denard, but he apparently turned into a student ambassador and recruiter. The real function of yesterday was to see the performance level of Devin and Russell Bellomy. Both had positives and Bellomy yesterday donned the adequate label. Russell settles in nice, really appears to read the progressions of the intended offense well, steps up without taking off, and throws a reasonably accurate ball. Russell does have some wobble and his motion is still a little long and slow. But I doubt that the coaches are making many changes to his basic mechanics, just repetitions. Russell, although long and lanky, has some giddy-up and can run the inside read series just fine. Russell is a cerebral, system type of quarterback, who will get better by the passage of time versus raw ability. He appears to be the type of system quarterback that can manage a game and does not have a tender ego awaiting his time.
Another question is for once a good question: what is to be done with all the linebackers? I was impressed with the play and depth of this group. There are at least six players with a chance of good playing time. Solid is a good term to use. This is not a 2000 decade of USC backers, but this group consists of football players. For the coaches the question will be who will be used in what situations? I believe the answer has already been determined.
The overall question about the offensive line has an easy answer: the group is thin, well coached, and will have to squeeze everything possible out of the orange. Coach Funk has prepared, experimented, and evaluated this spring. But he knows there is a ton of work remaining, everyone knows this, so, that is that.
The tight end situation is what it is and as discussed above a help wanted sign will be in broad view for AJ Williams. Borges has choices here based on who is used. Moore and Williams could at least be adequate on short yardage two tight end sets.
The loss of Kevin Koger will now be felt, but hopefully UM can find a tight end out of the options that can at least occupy a defense. I would not be surprised to see a position change in addition to Paskorz.
Michigan has a few spots left for 2013. The coaches understand the need for wideouts and dlinemen, hopefully some big commitments can be finalized.
Although some get upset about the idea of a controlled scrimmage versus a true two team spring game, I believe it is a smart idea. As CoachBT stated, the purpose is to evaluate, not entertain. The “scrimmage” was well managed, demonstrated a good use of practice time, and provided situational match-ups important to evaluation.
To read the entire post along with what others contributed, please visit the GBMWolverine Message Board.
Just a reminder you must be a member to participate on the Message Board. Here is the link for the registration page for those people interested in becoming a GBMWolverine member of our message board. GBMWolverine Register.
Please comment on our GBMWolverine Message Board about this article and read what others comment.
You can contact us at our e-mail address: GBMWolverine
Please follow us on Twitter: @GBMWolverine
Written by GBMWolverine Staff
Go Blue — Wear Maize!