Michigan football recruits will compete for immediate playing time
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
Michigan is expected to sign a class of 25 recruits this year, including 6 who enrolled early Wednesday.
Coming off back-to-back losing seasons, the Wolverines have plenty opportunity for immediate playing time, especially on defense. But all 6 of Michigan’s early entrants - running backs Stephen Hopkins and Austin White, receivers Jeremy Jackson, Ricardo Miller and Jerald Robinson, and lineman Christian Pace - are offensive players.
Beat writer Dave Birkett examines who might see the field in 2010.
Running back
Because of injuries (Vincent Smith) and graduation (Brandon Minor, Carlos Brown, Kevin Grady), both White and Hopkins should be in the mix for playing time this fall.
Mike Shaw, Mike Cox and Fitzgerald Toussaint will get first crack at the starting job this spring, and Smith, who tore his ACL in the Ohio State game, is expected back by August. Shaw is the most experienced of that group, while Toussaint was a head-turner on the scout team last year and Smith is the wild card depending on his recovery.
White, a 4-star recruit according to Scout.com, has the physical tools to fit Michigan’s spread offense, while Hopkins is a bigger back in the mold of Brandon Minor. If Smith’s injury lingers, both could play. Otherwise, there doesn’t seem to be enough room in the rotation for 6 backs, and spacing out scholarships is a concern.
With neither Hopkins nor White expected to start, who ultimately plays a bigger role will depend on their physical maturity and perhaps ability to contribute on special teams.
Wide receiver
Michigan didn’t get great or steady production out of its receivers last year, though Roy Roundtree, Junior Hemingway and Darryl Stonum all showed flashes of brilliance.
Roundtree and Martavious Odoms will enter the fall as Michigan’s top slot receivers, with Hemingway and Stonum the projected starters on the outside. Je’Ron Stokes caught 2 passes in 6 games last year as a true freshman, and redshirt freshmen Jeremy Gallon (a slot) and Cam Gordon should be in the playing mix as well.
That’s a lot of bodies considering just 4 receivers caught more than 15 passes last year, but since no one emerged as a go-to threat on the outside, there’s opportunity for 1 of Michigan’s early enrollees to play a major role. Ricardo Miller might be the most physically ready of the incoming group, but don’t discount Jerald Robinson or Jeremy Jackson. The son of Michigan running backs coach Fred Jackson, Jeremy Jackson is a polished receiver who grew up around the program.
Offensive line
Seven players enrolled early for Michigan last year, and only 2 - Smith and quarterback Tate Forcier - played anything close to key roles. Undoubtedly, it’s difficult for an offensive lineman to make an impact as a true freshman, and that’s the spot Christian Pace will find himself in.
A center, Pace also finds himself blocked on the depth chart by David Molk, arguably Michigan’s best lineman. Molk, coming off knee and foot injuries, is expected to miss spring practice, so Pace will compete with Rocko Khoury for the backup job in the even Molk gets hurt again.
Most importantly, he’s around to learn the system and live in the weight room so when the opportunity arises for playing time he’s firmly in the mix.
Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
Comments
woody brown
Tue, Jan 12, 2010 : 12:22 p.m.
When you rebuild a program you don't have to destroy it in the process. Period. Having been an ex player, under Bo, and now living in Southern California, I sent Mr. Rodriguez several emails regarding So Cal players. My son played for Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, a perennial powerhouse in arguably one of the toughest HS conferences in the nation. I mention this as I have seen the players I refer to in person several times. Fact: the spread is the offense used by the majority of the top HS programs in So Cal. Fact: All of the athletes I mentioned in my communications to Mr. Rodriguez were in spread offense programs. Fact: I never received the courtesy of a reply. I understand he has mechanisms in place for the identification and recruitment of High School players. But wouldn't you think that at the least someone would respond to an ex-player, even if it's a "thanks but no thanks". Life goes on. Football does as well. The lack of any reply whatsoever from his administration is an indication of his arrogance and dismissal for the legacy of the greatest college football program -- yes,some Notre Dame alums would beg to differ. Coach Rodgriguez may in fact succeed. I hope he does. But how long will it take and at what cost? Michigan is not a endless, rebuilding, program. Michigan is not West Virgina.
buzz
Tue, Jan 12, 2010 : 12:22 a.m.
RR has been known for offense not defense but that is kinda different story now. UM is a huge step-up from WV. WV is not consistent like UM in recruiting, RR didn't have the greatest staff but they did do a heck of a job there. RR is in much more pressure now that he is head coach of the most winningest program in all of college football. In UM he does have a great staff. RR is an offense Wiz, his defense is in good hands wit Greg Robinson. Yeah UM record in BigTen wasnt great but if u watch the games there is improvement. The offense did look much better than the year before. The defense wasnt so hot but the defense fell apart after Carr's departure. RR is rebuilding the whole team. He has been top-10 recruiting in the nation wit 2 losing seasons WHICH IS REALLY IMPRESSIVE. I think it would be better to get off RR back cuz hes in enough heat already. Trashing him is not goin to get him fired. Heck He ain't goin to get fired anyways the new AD seems to like him so yeah RR will be at UM for while so looks like u have to deal wit it =P. Next 2 years RR will change all u RR haters perspective on him. BE TRUE BLUE!!!!!!!
buzz
Tue, Jan 12, 2010 : 12:02 a.m.
Well have u ever seen a whole program change completely and still have a winning season? Every coach that gets hired usually run the same system as the retired/fired coach ran. Nick Sabin may have won a NC wit 2 programs but he didnt try to change the whole entire offense and defensive scheme. He is a great coach no doubt but UM was known for its power game and pro-style which has its advantages. RR is running a different scheme wit smaller players but faster players in a spread offense. If any1 can name a coach who changed an entire system into a complete different scheme and became really successful in 3 years i will give you major props for finding one. All teams do go in a drought but i think next year will change that. And for other teams he played that were ranked he played rutgers, south Florida, Cincinnati, Virginia tech, Pitt, etc. Beating all of them ranked. He may have lost a few but he was the most successful coach in West Virginia history. He kept WV ranked in the top 25 twenty-six consecutive years. I think thats qualified. He will learn that the BigTen is much rougher than the Big East but he will find ways to counter that. UM may not have improved in BigTen play but it was lack of experience.Give RR a chance, he will bring the blue back s real soon. Im a true blue fan since Lloyd. Its a shame ichigan fans trashing RR he is UM coach now support him. GO BLUE!!!!
Lemansblue
Mon, Jan 11, 2010 : 6:47 p.m.
You named one team in seven seasons. RR was 7-11 against top 25 teams at Wv. That means they only played top 25 teams 18 times in seven seasons that averages to a little over 2 a season. That is weak. Last place in the Big Ten is downhill however you want to spin it. RR was the wrong hire and he is proving it.
buzz
Mon, Jan 11, 2010 : 2:51 a.m.
Many of these recruits can weight. RR supporters do not brag about beating weak teams. At WV he beat many tough teams from other conferences. For Example Georgia. The Big East was alot better then than now also so u cant say they were that weak. UM lost in the BigTen cuz lack of experience in key positions. Yeah size was a matter but RR will get big guys later. He may have recruited small players but they are fast. He also recruited Hopkins who is BigTen sized RB and could play the role that Minor played last season. UM future looks great they can recruit more Defensive players now that USC is lost Carroll. Parker could now be a higher lock-in player now that Carroll is leaving. The defense will have a lot more experience and speed next year. The defense is in good hands with Greg Robinson. He did win 2 super-bowls with the Broncos as DC. For U ppl who say UM is goin downhill, go cheer for another team cuz when UM starts winning again wit RR u better not go jump the UM bandwagon. UM will rise again not jus as a BigTen powerhouse but a National Pwerhouse also. Jus give RR time. GO BLUE!!!!!!!
buzz
Mon, Jan 11, 2010 : 2:50 a.m.
Many of these recruits can weight. RR supporters do not brag about beating weak teams. At WV he beat many tough teams from other conferences. For Example Georgia. The Big East was alot better then than now also so u cant say they were that weak. UM lost in the BigTen cuz lack of experience in key positions. Yeah size was a matter but RR will get big guys later. He may have recruited small players but they are fast. He also recruited Hopkins who is BigTen sized RB and could play the role that Minor played last season. UM future looks great they can recruit more Defensive players now that USC is lost Carroll. Parker could now be a higher lock-in player now that Carroll is leaving. The defense will have a lot more experience and speed next year. The defense is in good hands with Greg Robinson. He did win 2 super-bowls with the Broncos as DC. For U ppl who say UM is goin downhill, go cheer for another team cuz when UM starts winning again wit RR u better not go jump the UM bandwagon. UM will rise again not jus as a BigTen powerhouse but a National Pwerhouse also. Jus give RR time. GO BLUE!!!!!!!
hieyeq
Sun, Jan 10, 2010 : 6:01 p.m.
Half of the guys UM are allegedly signing this year are under 200 lbs. Good luck with that!
Lemansblue
Sat, Jan 9, 2010 : 8:49 p.m.
Come on they did not slump to the finish they faced better competition in the Big Ten. Mi's Big Ten record was worse in 2009. Of course RR supportes will brag on beating weak competition that is what he did at WV. The non conf schedule was an embarrasment to Mi football.
Franklin
Sat, Jan 9, 2010 : 2:07 p.m.
Where is the defense???
Sparky79
Sat, Jan 9, 2010 : 8:26 a.m.
2008 overall record: 3-9 2009 overall record: 5-7 Is that not improvement? Where were all you "no improvement" types when Michigan started the season 4-0? Probably on here praising how great they were looking, how it was night and day compared to the previous year. Yeah, uh huh...exactly. Sure, they slumped to the finish due to injuries (Molk, Minor, Brown...), lack of depth (defense!), and lack of experience (too many freshman mistakes from Tate/Denard, though some of that's to be expected, IMO). But there's no way you can tell me they were worse than the 2008 team led by Threet/Sheridan. None.
Lemansblue
Fri, Jan 8, 2010 : 6:22 p.m.
The 2008 season Big Ten record 2-6. The 2009 season Big Ten record 1-7. That is improvment?
heartbreakM
Fri, Jan 8, 2010 : 3:56 p.m.
It's funny--all the RR "all-in" people indicate that you need a "spread" to win and that he has to dismantle what Michigan has had to succeed. Well, this entire bowl season sort of debunks that myth. I didn't see spread run last night, except when UT was trying to come back. In fact, I'd say Bama ran a Bo type offense (sorry MSU Saban). Strong D, basic O, less than 100 yards passing. UT knew what was coming, just couldn't stop it. And though I still dislike Saban for his MSU association, I respect the jobs he has done. He did at MSU by the second year, did at LSU and Bama by the second year. He did it by coaching up the players that he had instead of turning over the apple cart. It's an important lesson that RR promised but did not do--remember how he said that he'll utilize what's here? Well, 8-16 later, we know how that turned out. Now, how can mookie, wersch, portage, tater see improvement when team stats prove otherwise? check out the B10 stats--near last place in all major categories--turnovers, first downs, etc (talking conference games only--the Del State and EMU games really skew the stats badly). I'd like to believe, but when you look at what other coaches have done when coming into a program, when you look at our actual record, and when you look at objective measures, you have to question if RR could ever be successful. I think it should burn everybody up to see what Saban did at Bama who had runs of real mediocrity in the previous decade compared to what RR walked into, and then compare their results. In 3 years, Saban has as many losses as RR had THIS year (our supposedly improved year)
mookienation
Fri, Jan 8, 2010 : 2:10 p.m.
Anyone who says that Rich Rodriguez hasn't made any improvement at Michigan is clearly not watching all of these games. The 2008 team was absolutely atrocious. It seemed like Steven Threet couldn't complete a pass to save his life. Nobody seemed to know what the hell they were doing in that system, and that's probably not far from the truth. The 2009 team was a giant improvement. There were times when I thought that offense looked pretty freaking good. And then there were times it looked pretty bad. But at least we had SOME upside in 2009 as opposed to virtually zero upside in 2008. Notice how everyone is bashing Michigan's defense now. The year before, everyone was focusing on bashing their offense (and rightfully so), but they improved to the point where Michigan fans had to complain about a different aspect of the team - the defense. As long as Rich Rodriguez continues to improve, I'll support him. 3-8 for season one, 5-7 for season two...if he goes 7-5 next year we should all be happy with that and then look forward to a 2011 season where the sky is the limit.
wersch213
Fri, Jan 8, 2010 : 12:23 p.m.
Who is comparing Rich Rodgriguez and Michigan football to Nick Saban and Alabama. Was it my comment about it taking 3 years for a program to break out? I never said anything about Michigan and Rich Rodriguez winning a national championship. Just look at the history of coaches at prominent schools around the country and their 3rd year is typically when you see the jump in wins, not national championships or conference championships. Gosh...
buzz
Fri, Jan 8, 2010 : 12:10 p.m.
its kinda different situation than Nick sabins 3 years. Nick sabin didnt try to change an entire system to its counterpart. Nick sabin coaches alabama who gets lots of recruts from Southeast where a lot of talent is. No doubt Nick Sabin is a great coach but RR is changing UM in a diffferent direction that looks positive. 2008 season doesnt count cuz RR had no QB that could run his system, 2009 had many freshmen on the team. Next year is almost his second year. RR has been getting great recruits, Even with losing records. Thats impressive. When UM starts winning guarantee UM could be easily top of the recruiting with UT, UF and UA. Give RR some time and UM will be back on top of the Big Ten. GO BLUE!!!!!
wersch213
Fri, Jan 8, 2010 : 11:13 a.m.
Thank you Yogi...some folks will never be happy
Yogi
Fri, Jan 8, 2010 : 10:48 a.m.
8 wins will be pretty good considering that Lloyd won 8 (and lost to App St.) with Michigan's alltime leading passer, rusher, and the #1 overall pick in the NFL draft in his on his team in his final year. I wish people would get out RR's back until at very least the end of the 2010 season and remember Carr was not a great coach except with someone else's recruits including Charles Woodson who basically took away a half of the opponent's field on defense.
PortageLkBlu
Fri, Jan 8, 2010 : 10:31 a.m.
Well, college football is over for the 2009 season, nothing left to talk about except gibberish cause boys and girls the money is in the bank for Alabama. Nothing more to say about Mich. Wolves except speculation. Nothing more to say about RR cause coach is here and his system is in place for 2010 like it or not. I can sign off until Sept. knowing the program is in good hands under RR and I can sleep well knowing RR is burning the midnight candle to keep us entertained for 2010. So, chat with all of you in Sept. I've got a heavy schedule and no time for old stories 2009 is past tense. Ah, it's good to be a Wolves fan, go blue!
GoblueinNE_PA
Fri, Jan 8, 2010 : 10:01 a.m.
I'm glad these kids are getting in early. The more the better. I'm counting on these kids getting us a National Championship next year. We were pretty much promised that by the folks backing RR, and heck, Saban has proven it's possible, twice. LOL! Serously though, I think RR needs to win 8 games next year in order to earn any future years. I wish him the best of luck because I certainly can't stand another losing season. My gut tells me, based upon our schedule next year, that he doesn't win more than 4, but time will tell.
XTR
Fri, Jan 8, 2010 : 9:50 a.m.
Nick Saban got paid big bucks by LSU and UA and won National Championships with both schools in 3 years time. If RR can do that next season? LOL! RR destroyed the program. 2 straight losing seasons, no bowl games, lost revenue for the Ath dept without bowl games and the NCAA investigation. What else do we need to know about this character. RR tainted the tradition at UM in only 2 seasons and as long as he's the coach there will always be factions within the program. He was a bad hire and has proven to be a bad coach that does take responsibility.
A2lover
Fri, Jan 8, 2010 : 9:26 a.m.
It's sad to read all these delusional comments regarding Rich Rod and that his smoke and mirror way of coaching will bring success and respect back to Michigan football. I'm hoping the new AD, Mr. Brandon, will have the gumption to be the axeman and put Rich Rod out of his misery. And you know, it's obvious Rich Rod has already been poaching another job. So let him go and bring in a real coach, one that thinks more about football than himself.
wersch213
Fri, Jan 8, 2010 : 1:33 a.m.
Don't worry true Michigan fans. The competition is going to be ferocious, no entitlement exists under Rich Rodriguez even for Tate Forcier. Yes the program hasn't put together the wins we all wanted in 2009, but you can't just ignore the many positives heading into 2010. Has everyone forgotten all the red shirt freshman on D that have just been studying, watching, learning, while not having to be a part of the disappointing loses? Whatever happened to Brandon Smith transferring...the players are all in folks. Everyone on the team has bought in, Rich Rodriguez has full control of the program with the support of the new AD. The stadium will be complete with more than a few thousand more fans in the seats. If you look at programs across the country, year 3 has been the break out year. Let's not forget how close Michigan was to 7-5/8-4 in 2009. A more mature team and open playbook will ensure those wins or more in 2010. Does anyone really think that we've seen all that Rich Rodriguez's offensive scheme has to offer? Same goes for the Defense under Greg Robinson. If anyone thinks that 2009 is the best product that this coaching staff and players can put together then turn in your Michigan card and follow CMU or Notre Dame.
Sean T.
Fri, Jan 8, 2010 : 12:23 a.m.
There has been all of this talk about the offense but OUR DEFENSE is truly in bad shape. Without B.Graham we have no shot at applying pressure on pass downs and they are already soft. I watched Alabama's defense win the game for them along with a strong run game. They won a NC without a good QB and a speedy system. Even with if we get the top 20 defensive players in the nation in 2011, they couldn't stop the bleeding of our program. I've heard enough about these highly touted freshmen because not many can save a program in their first year, what we need is thorough coaching of the players we do have Go Blue!!!
1989NCAACHAMPS
Thu, Jan 7, 2010 : 11:41 p.m.
Great News! Michigan fans just be patient not only with RR but with all the young talent on this team!! Things are coming together perfectly!! GO BLUE!!!
PortageLkBlu
Thu, Jan 7, 2010 : 11:05 p.m.
I'm watching the 3rd quarter of the game and Texas trailing 24-6. I think you all can see what happens to even a great team when they lose a quality quarterback and have to go with a freshman. As great as Texas is once Colt went down they started looking and playing like Mich. RR has not had any REAL quality play from QB. Tate could mature into a quality QB by his junior year. I expect the QB for the bucs will be much more mature next year his junior year. If RR gets a good quality QB that's mature with a decent backup we're in the money but as you boys and girls can see from the game tonight you lose that great QB like McCoy and the team as is happening right now unravels and again I will say especially in RR's system we've got to have a decent backup. Mac Brown all of a sudden looks like a average coach. I guess after the game you naysayers will likely call Mac a lousy coach and he should be fired especially after that late 2nd quarter shuttle pass that turned into a touchdown for Alabama. Mac is a great coach RR is a very good coach and neither Mac or RR is in the money without a proven QB. The kid that is QB for Arkansas did not fit in RR's scheme end of story he's gone just like Brandon Minor is gone past tense boys and girls. I believe in RR's 4th year we'll see big time and good or much better stuff next yr. This is my theory like it or not and for the next few years I hope for all our sakes that I'm right but at the very least I have confidence in our team and RR.
tresselowns
Thu, Jan 7, 2010 : 11 p.m.
Yea Theo, but Connecticut has already scored 28 on us. Defense wins championships, so where are the D recruits? Im not convinced O will even be as good as last year, w/o a power tailback. Tate doesn't have the arm to utilize a deep threat anyway. As far as his job, I say 6 wins gets RR another year, and he becomes the next Joe Tiller. It was depressing to watch Pryor win the RB. God, how far M has fallen.
Lemansblue
Thu, Jan 7, 2010 : 10:24 p.m.
I think what RR has shown is that he can dismantle the winningest college football program of all time and he has done it fast. It is obvious this was a bad hire giving him more time will make the program suffer for more years than to just admit we made a mistake. No excuse for last place in the Big Ten. It is sad to see Mi football this bad.
Fresh121
Thu, Jan 7, 2010 : 9:49 p.m.
Its all hearsay tell next year could lose them all could win them all no one knows.
heartbreakM
Thu, Jan 7, 2010 : 9:34 p.m.
Portage--I understand your reasons for explaining away Rod's record so far, but really-- "If they don't act fairly and give RR his due 4 (sic)"....Huh? I have several real answers for that. 8-16. No bowl game. No improvement. Worst 2 years in 130 years of Michigan football history. Can you really say that RR has Michigan's best interest at heart when he was willing to essentially throw out a few years to impose HIS system? I think RR has RR's best interest at heart, and he happens to be at our institution. And Tater: I hope you are right about his record, but I think you cut and pasted everything you wrote a year ago.
Chango
Thu, Jan 7, 2010 : 7:40 p.m.
Maybe a year or two from the Top Tier BCS bowl game(s) but they will make a bowl next year. They missed it by one game this past season. Lets see, who did they loose that is a Quality playmaker? Graham, Minor, Brown, Mesko. I think last year was telling of what the system potentially will look like. This year will have some rough spots hear and there but its all about moving forward and mporving each year. Glass is half full :0) The BCS is calling, as Bob Barker said "Come on down"! lol
NoBowl4Blue
Thu, Jan 7, 2010 : 7:20 p.m.
Blind Optimism reigns. The fact that freshman have a chance to play says tons about the talent level. Michigan is years away from even being a Big 10 contender and possibly another year or two from a bowl invite.
Man in the Mirror
Thu, Jan 7, 2010 : 7:14 p.m.
Hopefully those who are 5 or 6 deep in the rotation will stay on until until they graduate and not transfer.
81wolverine
Thu, Jan 7, 2010 : 6:38 p.m.
Running back is going to be a big question mark next season. Michigan will be very thin on experience. Smith is too small to be an "every down" type of back. He won't hold up to the pounding. Shaw is probably our most experienced back, but needs to show consistency and durability. Not having a big power back (unless Hopkins is ready to play) doesn't bode well for the offense. At receiver, we need some young players to step up. Stonum has potential but needs to improve in the off season. Hemingway has talent, but not tons of speed. I'd like to see an outside guy who can separate from the DB and make the downfield catches. Whether Coach Rod gets his 4 year and stays for a while, or doesn't, Michigan is committed personnel-wise to the spread for the next several years at least. So, hopefully we can make it work in 2010. Go Blue!
PortageLkBlu
Thu, Jan 7, 2010 : 6:16 p.m.
All part of the building blocks of reconstruction could very well really start coming together in RR's 4th yr. I think the powers that be can see this thing taking shape and I wouldn't be surprised to see some solid improvement for 2010 but I think 2011 is the key yr. I'd bet even money RR gets his 4th yr. becuase it's obvious that the machinery is in motion. If they don't act fairly and give RR his due 4 then we will have to support a new coach which I for one always will as long as I believe the coach is solid, has Mich. interest at heart and I believe he has a sound system like RR. It's a shame to see so many raw recruits having to step up but this system is so differant from LLoyd's that sacrifices have to be made to get caught up to speed. I think these kids will be loyal to RR especially since they,(the new players) will understand and appreciate what RR is trying to accomplish with their talent. I hope good things come RR's way I know the man wants to please all including you and me.