Michigan Football: How good will Rashan Gary be in 2017?
We know that Rashan Gary is going to have a good season, but if he can be great, Michigan football can be too.
The other day I was sitting there thinking, how good will Michigan football be in 2017? Then I thought to myself, it depends a lot on just how good Rashan Gary is.
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I don’t think it’s any secret that Gary, the former No. 1 recruit in 2016, is expected to have a huge season. Accolades have been coming his way at an impressive rate, such as being named to the preseason All-American team.
But with Gary, I’m honestly thinking bigger. I’m wondering if he could win the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Award or even contend for the Heisman Trophy.
That may sound insane, but with Gary’s skill set, I don’t think it is. As a freshman, he didn’t make a huge impact. But the signs were there and when he was on the field, he played well, just not like an All-American.
However, Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh is right in the fact that most players take their biggest jump from their freshman to sophomore seasons.
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The simple truth is that Gary is an absolute freak. He’s 6-5, 287 pounds, but runs the 40 in 4.57. It’s not overstating to say that that combination has only been seen in a few players.
In my eyes, Gary is the best athlete in the Michigan football program. He might even be the best athlete in the Big Ten. However, as we all know, potential doesn’t get you much, it’s what you do on the field that counts.
In terms of Michigan’s chances in 2017, in my opinion, they rest a lot on Gary. If the defensive end is the dominant force he’s expected to be, UM will be in good shape.
Certainly, Michigan has many other good players and others that are essential to their success. But having a true impact player can change things and that’s what Gary can be in 2017, the rare player that always has the ability to turn the game in one play.
The sophomore should be a disruptive force and if he’s really good, Michigan’s defense might be just as good as it was a year ago. That stats might not be the same, but the effectiveness could be.
Saying that Gary is going to have an outstanding season isn’t a very bold prediction. But it seems to me, much of the Wolverines success is tied to just how good the defensive end next season.
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If he’s great, like really great, Michigan football can be too. So here’s hoping he lives up the hype.