UM Football Recruiting - by WM Wolverine

[WM Wolverine]

Agree with talent on McCray; he probably drops below the top 100 range at the least. He's not even on my recruiting board but do know he has M interest. In a 2 LB class, I think I'd aim higher. I'd probably take McCray if M took 3 LB'ers in this class, otherwise I think M is in good enough shape with other LB'ers...

McCray is an 'inside' linebacker for now with some potential to grow into a SAM or WDE. Very different than Ben Gadeon who is a likely WILL imo. EJ Levenberry would fit the same profile as McCray; a ILB, SAM potential WDE...

He visits M immediately before his announcement, a good sign for M to get the last chance to impress him.

[iam416]

From what I've read, WM, the "previous" staff had McCray as their #1 LB in the state. The current staff, however, does not. I agree re Levenberry, too. He's better than McCray, but I've heard some say his position at the next level is WDE.

I also agree with you that Gedeon is a WLB right now, but it wouldn't surprise me if OSU is recruiting him for MLB -- he has a good frame and can add weight. But, it's becoming abundantly clear that they covet speed above all else. And, to be honest, I'd rather have fast and fairly small (Brian Rolle) than not so fast and bigger (Etienne Sabino). Sabino, incidentally, is under absolute orders to lose weight and get faster.

[Optimus Prime]

Aren't we all.

[hack]

I've been at my offseason weight for the last few years, but luckily it hasn't impacted my performance at work yet.

[WM Wolverine]

Fast but small works at WLB better than it works at MLB and SAM, where your shedding offensive lineman, tight ends and fullbacks. At WILL your unblocked a lot more...

Agree on Levenberry potentially growing into a WDE but M's SAM is basically a 5th DL and just as much DE as LB (e.g. Jake Ryan) with more coverage responsibilities in passing situations. M is looking for a similar type of athlete for all of WDE, SAM, MLB and even WLB which is why they took so many in the last class and could take a few more.

[WM Wolverine]

M insiders are optimistic on Michael McCray LB (4-star, Ohio)... Concur with talent on Levenberry, good bet he ends up on d-line though M's SAM is nearly a d-line position.

[Jeff Buchanan]

If you've been following the Kozan saga you know by now he decided on Auburn. So that center issue thing pops up ..... I found the talk of recent 13 commit, Patrick Kugler comforting albeit Rocko Koury for 2012 does not inspire a lot of confidence. You will remember with Molk out against VT there was NO RUNNING GAME. No one seems to have a handle on this issue. Its the elephant in the room. Maybe someone will surprise. Anyway ...... Kugler:

The kid has great feet and gets into the second level very well. He's a technician and a smart player, which you would expect from his dad being an NFL coach. Now, you take all of those strengths and project him to center, and Michigan fans should be excited. He's bigger and more athletic than most center prospects. You essentially have a kid that could easily play tackle or guard for most schools at center. That is also a position where smarts and knowledge of the game come into play and this kid certainly has it. His upside was good to begin with, but as a center, it's excellent.

You can read the whole piece by Ace on him and others at mgoblog ........ BTW, my subscription to Rivals Wolverine expired today. Good riddance.

[SeattleLionsFan]

Molk was out for three plays against VT no? The offense was hampered more by his errant snaps than his blocking IMO.

[SeattleLionsFan]

Also Jack Miller is a redshirt freshman who should back up Khoury next year. A redshirt freshman starting on the OL isn't ideal, but he should bridge us to Kugler.

[Chuck Mallory]

You guys are making too much out of the center position. Barnum will be an all big ten type player there next year. After that, '13 we will see whoever step up, it be a '12 recruit rs freshman so be it.

Waaay too much is being made about the center position IMO...

[*JD*]

Molk was out for three plays against VT no? The offense was hampered more by his errant snaps than his blocking IMO.

I don't recall him having errant snaps. The guy who came in for him, however, had 2 or 3.

[*JD*]

You guys are making too much out of the center position. Barnum will be an all big ten type player there next year. After that, '13 we will see whoever step up, it be a '12 recruit rs freshman so be it.

Waaay too much is being made about the center position IMO...

Molk being out killed us in 2009 as well.

[WM Wolverine]

Agree with Mallory on the center position; its not that unique of a position in regards to the other OL spots. Give a good, smart OL enough reps there and some good coaching, he'll do well...

I'm far more worried about filing the other 4 OL spots with mostly RS freshman (& true freshman) after all of Barnum, Omameh, Lewan & Schofield graduate.

[SeattleLionsFan]

Sorry JD. I was referring to Khoury with the errant snaps of course.

[Jeff Buchanan]

Against VT Molk was out for two snaps both bungled by Koury resulting in two running plays for NG. When Molk came back in he was operating on one foot and couldn't push off severely hampering his effectiveness.

Center play is key in the read option and option plays in general, less so in a more conventional power run game. The center has to be able to execute a reach block perfectly in the inside option game and get quickly to the second level when the option goes outside. I agree that center can be played by any competent offensive linemen in a more traditional power run game but it was clear to me in the kind of offense Borges was trying to run for Denard the center has a unique and demanding role. Molk filled it.

With Denard remaining at QB in 2012, I don't think you can argue ..... "any competent offensive linemen." To optimize Denard as a run threat requires a player like Molk at C. I don't think there is one on the roster like him right now. Maybe it will be Barnum but I suspect it will be Koury. Either way, Denard's run game is not going to be as effective as it was when Molk was in there and playing at 100%.