Michigan Football Recruiting: Chase Winovich — 2014 Time Capsule
Posted at 4:00pm — 2/13/2014
Michigan Football Recruiting: Chase Winovich — 2014 Time Capsule
Chase Winovich was the first recruit out of the remaining nine not on campus already to sign and send in his letter of intent on signing day.
GBMWolverine Readers: Here is a overview of University of Michigan 2014 Signed Commit Chase Winovich.
Height: 6’3
Weight: 216
Birthday: April 19, 1995
Number: 15
Current Position: Quarterback and Linebacker
Future Position: Outside Linebacker
City/State: Clairton, Pennsylvania
High School: Thomas Jefferson
Head Coach: Bill Cherpak
Recruiter: Coach Mark Smith, Roy Manning and Darrell Funk
Official Visit: 12/13/2013
Committed: 06/01/2013
Top Offers: Florida State, Michigan State, Ohio State, Syracuse, and Tennessee.
40-Time: 4.65
GPA: 3.6
All-Star Game: 2014 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl.
Class: 2014 Michigan Wolverine Recruiting Class (Signed).
Follow Chase: on Twitter
Coach Hoke on Winovich:
“Chase, out of the Pittsburgh area, is a guy who we think runs really well. He played a lot of positions and made a ton of plays at Thomas Jefferson. He played some quarterback, ran the ball at times, played some tight end, but we think he’s a guy who’s really instinctive and gets to the football at linebacker.”
Key Stats:
Totaled 149 tackles, 22.0 sacks, seven fumble recoveries and one interception on defense and carried the ball 119 times for 1,031 yards and 17 touchdowns on offense during his career. Registered 57 tackles, 13.0 sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries as a senior. Recorded 69 tackles, 9.0 sacks and four fumble recoveries as a junior. Registered 47 tackles as a sophomore. Completed 14-of-29 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns and registered 981 yards on 115 carries as a senior.
Honors:
Participated in the 2014 Offense-Defense All-American Bowl.
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:
“It will all come down to wherever I feel most comfortable,” he said. “I feel as if I can play anywhere I set my mind to, and it’s all about making the right decision. I know that this is a big decision for me.” It’s definitely getting tougher. It’s definitely becoming a tougher decision with the more I look into schools, but at the same time, in retrospect, it’s becoming clear what I want and where I see myself one year from now, but also 50 years from now. Where am I going to be proud to say I go? So I think it’s clearing up that a little better. I’m getting a better viewpoint into the whole recruiting process.”
His Commitment Comments:
“I think the most instrumental people were definitely my parents.”
“First, I committed to the University of Michigan because academically, it’s a top notch program and one of the best universities in the world,” Winovich explained. “I think ultimately it was the best fit for me in several different aspects. Academically and athletically it was the perfect fit for me… and not even just for football. The whole idea of Michigan is winning. They really act on what they preach. They have shown that. And another thing is the people. The people in Michigan are some of the most down to earth people I’ve ever met. I’ve had great interactions with them. I think a lot of them think like me. I feel a lot of the ideals that I want to see in myself, I see in those people. I think that really helped push me over the edge.”
“I think (bonding with the players and recruits) was definitely a big deal too.
With recruiting, as a process, and committing as an end result, getting the speed up treatment, recruits are now ranked and evaluated as sophomores and juniors. There is far less waiting by football programs until the senior year to see who improves and shakes out from among a large number of prospects. Some players are well known and secure a massive offer list even before the end of junior year.
Chase Winovich did not somehow fit the profile of the massively recruited five star perceived upper echelon. His recruiting started with a welcome offer from local program Pittsburgh. Two opposing “forces” entered the recruiting process, Ohio State and Michigan. The stargazers would have one belief there is nothing truly special, but it is safe to say that most keen observers must conclude his physical assets and game film present a very fine linebacker prospect. The offer sheet of Chase Winovich is impressive and belays the star rating. It matters not, but the offers indicate the coaches disagree with the sites.
Chase was recruited clearly as a SAM smasher. His size gives him a good shot at going toe-to toe with big tight ends. Film indicates he can move. If viewers watch film, the term Blitzburg may come to light. Chase was very effective moving and blitzing from many angles. He will need to work on taking on linemen and shedding blocks. A high level student, Chase will certainly put on the weight needed to be a big force at the SAM position.
The view here is that Michigan must be very happy with this commitment. UM now has two high potential, very smart backers for the 2014 class.
Overview:
Chase is a tall, rangy outside linebacker prospect. His skills do not translate into a Mike linebacker at this point, but with physical maturity we don’t 100% rule out such a move. Chase clearly has a large enough frame to add the weight needed to play at the next level. He is an excellent student with grades having been stated to be 3.6 or above.
Strengths:
Chase is a high effort, high motor player who is relentless in pursuit. He does a good job of reading plays and avoiding blocks. Chase possesses above average explosion and acceleration. He moves his feet well and makes plays in space. Importantly, he runs very well for a player with his length.
At 6’3 and 216 pounds, Chase definitely needs to add weight and strength. He needs to improve his play in the phone booth, taking on blockers and using his flippers. His tackling and overall physical play need an upgrade. Adding weight and strength should help with the above need.
Red-shirt or play his Freshman Year?
GBMWolverine believes he will definitely red-shirt his first year.
Chase Winovich reminds the GBMWolverine Staff of — Current Michigan Football Player — Jake Ryan — who plays Linebacker.
Video Highlights:
Perfect fit for the Sam linebacker which is the toughest position to fill in UM’s defense. Good Get!
We welcome Chase Winovich 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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