Michigan Football: Tidbits from MaizeMan about the Freshman Class
Posted at 12:00pm — 11/21/2012
Michigan Football: Tidbits from MaizeMan about the Freshman Class
My updated projected ratings of frosh class. (this will probably change again after bowl practices, and then again in spring. But as of now.
Sure starters: (these are players who will start three or more years at Michigan). Also, this group are only those players who are red-shirted or have not played a role except for special teams.
Kalis
(a note about Kalis). Everyone projects him starting next year. Most believe it will be at one of the offensive Guard positions (probably LG). However, Kalis can also play right tackle. This off-season, Kalis will be pushed hard by Coach Funk. So far he has shown to be a hard working kid, but more importantly, very coach-able. Early on, he has had some issues with his footwork in pass protection and because of our running scheme he is asked to “pull” on occasion. Kalis strength is getting off the ball and drive blocking, but this is just part of the offense. So, although all agree he should be in starting line-up he has some work to do.
Strobel:
It is going to be interesting to see how big he gets in off-season. He sure has the body to really gain some weight without really losing any of his quickness. He is a strong-side defensive end all the way and may be the best combination of being able to defend the run and be an adequate pass rusher we have on the roster. Again, another character type kid who just is going to get better. I don’t want anybody to say I compared him to J.J. Watts, but this is the type of player he is. If he is anything close to Watts, he will be a player.
Potential starters: (these are players who have the ability to move into the first group), but will have to show some progress this off-season and beyond.
November 10, 2012; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke and safety Jarrod Wilson (22) against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIREHouma:
My surprise pick and he has to get much bigger, but in Coach Borges offense Houma is the type of player who can play a big role. Houma is a very good athlete, but is not a pure blocker, but that can be taught.
Role players: (those players who can move up the list), but some breaks or just outworking everyone is the path to playing time.
Henry:
Almost put him on group #2, but size is an issue and we have some pretty good players coming in next years class. However, if he is productive, he is the type of defensive tackle that Coach Mattison really likes, someone who can get off blocks and into the backfield quickly.
Godin:
Big kid, hard worker (a RVB type of player), run stopper first. He is just going to have to beat out some more talented, athletic types in order to gain a starting position. But, you see kids like Heitzman getting playing time based on production and practice, so there is opportunity for kids like Godin.
Conclusion:
Very good class when you add Pipkins, Ross, Bolden, Mario, and Wilson. You have eight sure starters, with 5 others who could be in that category. That is thirteen and add to it at least five in the role player group that may not start, but will get a lot of snaps, that is eighteen. That is a high number in normal classes.
Come to the message board to see all seventeen breakdowns by MaizeMan on the Freshman class and give us your thoughts, agree or disagree.
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff — MaizeMan
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