Michigan Football Recruiting: Freddy Canteen — 2014 Time Capsule
Posted at 9:30am — 2/7/2014
Michigan Football Recruiting: Freddy Canteen — 2014 Time Capsule
Freddy Canteen is already on campus getting ready for spring practice to start February 25th. While enrolled early not only gets him prepared for spring football, but also getting acclimated in a few classes as well and being a student-athlete at the college level eight months ahead of the normal student at the University of Michigan. We will be watching him this spring and seeing how he might fit into the offense this fall.
GBMWolverine Readers: Here is a overview of University of Michigan 2014 Signed Commit Freddy Canteen.
Height: 6’1
Weight: 170
Birthday: March 12, 1996
Number: 19
Current Position: Wide Receiver
Future Position: Wide Receiver
City/State: Elkton, Maryland
High School: Eastern Christian Academy
Head Coach: Dwayne Thomas
Recruiter: Coach Curt Mallory and Coach Jeff Hecklinski
Official Visit: 12/13/2013
Committed: 6/29/2013
Top Offers: Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Rutgers, and Tennessee
40-Time: 4.43
GPA: 3.9
Class: 2014 Michigan Wolverine Recruiting Class (Signed).
“Freddy is an inside receiver, a guy who caught a bunch of balls last year and can get up the field. He gives you great quickness.”
Rankings:
24/7: .
ESPN: .
Rivals: .
Scout: .
Note: Stars do matter, but are not absolute in predicting success within a football program. So, with that in mind the GBMWolverine Staff has cleverly come up with a new system of ranking. We are using footballs instead of stars, how can one argue against a system that clever? Below are the interpretations of football power predicted way too boldly long before it matters. In other words, we will give informed opinion with the crystal ball and let the players determine what will happen through years of hard work.
Criteria: Raw talent, athleticism, position of need, intangibles.
10 footballs: Instant impact player.
9 footballs: Three or four-year starter at a high level.
8 footballs: A starter with all league potential.
7 footballs: A meaningful starter at some time during a career.
6 footballs: A spot starter or special teams player.
5 footballs: Not in the two deep after a two years.
4 footballs: Never made it.
1-3 footballs: See the above.
Remember just as we did during the season with grading positions or groups we are very tough graders and expect a lot out of those positions or players so this is no different here.
His Recruiting Story:
Freddy Canteen made his way to Ann Arbor for the Michigan football camp in June, he came as an unknown. Quickly making a name for himself and standing out with his play in wide receiver/cornerback 1-on-1’s, Canteen caught the eye of the Michigan coaching staff, performing his way into a scholarship offer from the Wolverines. “I wasn’t even going to go to the camp, actually,” Canteen said. “But my coach told me I should go — I went. Going to the camp, the coaches knew nothing about me but I was able to be dynamic that day and show what I can do best. “I came out with an offer and (it’s) the best decision of my life, really.”
“You can’t say no to Michigan,” he said. “Michigan offers everything you want in a school as well as their football program. Couldn’t say no.”
“Me and Brandon had both talked about what we were going to do, but I made this decision for myself,” Canteen said regarding his Michigan commitment. “(Friday night) I was thinking about everything and I just came to the conclusion that Michigan is the best place for me. Academically they’re top notch and football wise they’re a powerhouse.”
“I’m just blessed, ready to work, and thankful for the opportunity.”
Freddy’s senior film shows a lot of improvement. He played with a lot more discipline.
Freddy Canteen and Brandon Watson, visited Michigan’s summer football camp and impressed the coaching staff enough to earn offers. It did not take long for both players to offer a commitment to Michigan.
Freddy Canteen was at a disadvantage regarding rankings. His team only played a few games (stated as three) and a few so-called scrimmages last year. His high school coach has been involved with the Division One recruiting process and knows how to pick up the phone or respond to schools with interest in his athletes. Supposedly, the schedule this year is set with many national powers and accreditation roadblocks are in the past.
Stuck in the middle of this situation were Freddy Canteen and Brandon Watson. There became fewer opportunities for accurate “scouting ratings” than the typical highly skilled athlete around the nation.
There are many ways to evaluate athletes for important scholarship decisions. To the author, direct eye contact remains the best method. So, at camp both Canteen and Watson impressed the coaches observing, apparently to the degree all parties were satisfied that if offers were extended, commitments could quickly occur.
Freddy is a perfect example of how camp performance can be important and become the primary factor in receiving a Division One offer. Offers do not happen this way for most athletes, but this does happen. Because of Maryland politics, Canteen’s high school played in only 3 games in 2012. His true talent level clearly showed in all of his recent camp appearances. Still, Freddy caught six passes for 114 yards in the three games. Freddy is a good student with a 3.9 GPA.
Strengths:
Freddy is silky smooth with little wasted movement. He is a strong route runner. One could say he is a bigger, more talented Roundtree slot guy. Freddy is super quick off the ball and accelerates out of his cuts very well. He catches the ball with his hands and displays outstanding body control. He is more than adequate in the open field.
Freddy will definitely need to add some weight and strength. But he has the frame to do so. Also, Freddy needs to learn to beat jams and reroute attempts, but added strength should be helpful. His blocking will also need to improve.
Red-shirt or play his Freshman Year?
GBMWolverine believes he will definitely play his first year. This may be a tougher call than some may believe, Freddy does need to add some strength which should help him since he enrolled early, but the rest of his game is in place for quick contribution and likely at the slot position.
Freddy Canteen reminds the GBMWolverine Staff of — Former Michigan Football Player — Steve Breaston — who played Wide Receiver.
Video Highlights:
Final Thoughts:
Freddy has the potential to be a vertical threat that can stretch the field. While he may not have the open field skills of Scott, Canteen is a very solid receiver.
We welcome Freddy Canteen 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!
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Written by GBMWolverine Staff
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