Notes and quotes from the Michigan football team's workout
Who's starting for the Michigan football team?
There was no official depth chart released at Tuesday’s practice, but it appeared the first offense consisted of Denard Robinson at quarterback; Michael Shaw and Vincent Smith alternating at tailback; Junior Hemingway, Martavious Odoms, Kelvin Grady and Roy Roundtree alternating at receiver; Kevin Koger at tight end; and Taylor Lewan, Ricky Barnum, David Molk, Patrick Omameh and Mark Huyge on the line.
None of those is a surprise.
Talking about Jibreel Black
Michigan defensive coordinator Greg Mattison, on talented sophomore defensive end Jibreel Black: “Jibreel has a lot of talent, but right now, Jibreel is a little inconsistent. … That’s not a knock on him, but he’s just like a lot of talented young guys. I’m not ready to say this guy is the next Terrell Suggs (of the Baltimore Ravens)."
More notes
Mattison said Marrell Evans will play inside linebacker, and could vie for game time there after a good spring showing. The defensive coordinator also said he’s seen more improvement from the linebackers than any other position group since spring. … Troy Woolfolk and J.T. Floyd, who were expected to be Michigan’s top corners last year before going down with injuries, practiced at full speed. Mattison said both will have to reclaim their starting spots with their play in fall camp. … Mattison said in order to get the best 11 players on the field at once, it is possible he will make position changes before the start of the regular season. … Mattison, who had off-season knee surgery, is wearing a brace during practice for precautionary reasons. … On the updated roster released Tuesday, there were a couple number changes. Tight end Brandon Moore now wears No. 89, Floyd has No. 8 and offensive lineman Ricky Barnum has No. 52.
Comments
81wolverine
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 5:55 p.m.
For the first time in several years, I feel our defense is well-coached. And I think we'll see the results of that right away on the field. Will they still screw up? Of course. But, I strongly believe Mattison will cut way down on the awful, long plays from the other team that just killed the spirit of the entire Michigan team the last 3 years. I think the defensive backfield play will be much better. Between getting back Floyd and Woolfolk, the influx of talented players like Furman, Robinson, Johnson, and Countess, and greater depth, things will be much better. And although the linebacking is one of our thinnest areas, these guys may surprise everyone. Ryan, Demens, and Gordon may emerge as a solid group by later in the season - plus Fitzgerald and Herron. The D-line play will be critical though. I have no worries about Roh, Martin, or RVB. The key will be how Campbell and Washington develop and perform this year. Our offense will be solid. The key to how many wins we get will be the play of the defense - good or bad. I'm optimistic that they'll be better than many pundits are predicting.
scott
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 6:01 p.m.
I wouldn't just say well-coached, but I'd say for the first time in a while they're well coached, have respectable depth and talent.
ethanblue
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 2:44 p.m.
I'm so happy Marrell Evans is being relegated to backing up Kenny Demens. Do people not remember how badly he played when he started the season -- Rod's first season, I believe -- whiffing at RBs, TEs and WRs on crossing routes? There's a reason he left, and that was because he was benched by RichRod for horrendous play. I mark that year as the start of bad LB play. People who say that Jake Ryan is undersized to play outside are crazy. Smaller than he'll be in another two years, yes, but still solid enough to be starting. He tackles, he covers well -- start him. I'm hoping its Gordon, Demens and Ryan as starters, with Fitz and Jones coming in Nickel and Dime situations -- or for breathers. On the line, I hope Schofield finally overtakes Huyge. I'd love to have that line build together and only lose one starter (Molk) after this year. Schofield will at least get some time when Huyge falters.
scott
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 6 p.m.
I thought Jones played really well last year before getting hurt.....fwiw
DraderOHIO
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.
I really hope Michigan has a great year.. I will be happy if Michigan can win 8+ games this year. If Michigan can keep the turnovers under control, play consistent on defence, and find a field goal kicker the ski the limit. vs. Western Michigan vs. Notre Dame vs. Eastern Michigan vs. San Diego State vs. Minnesota * at Northwestern * at Michigan State * vs. Purdue (Homecoming) * at Iowa * at Illinois * vs. Nebraska * vs. Ohio State * 24 More day's GO Blue!
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 12:36 p.m.
Mick, thanks for sharing something we all feel and want for the University of Michigan football program. Smart, hard nose and physical players getting after whoever's in the wrong colored uniform. But let's wait the four weeks so the coaches can get everybody on the same page of the playbook. Anyone who thinks Michigan is not heading in the right direction, well I hope your other team is doing better. TiM Go Blue!
Mick
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 12:35 p.m.
I observe the "observer" to be a buzz killington. I don't have to temper anything, I'm optimistic and will stay that way. If your glass is half full, well I'm sorry for you, but don't rain on my parade. I'm excited for the season to start, not because I'm overreacting to whatever number of practices they've had, I just love Football!
frank drebin
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 11:42 a.m.
Jibreel Black is a sophomore, just so you know.
Jim Knight
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 12:33 p.m.
Frank: Nice catch. We made the correction.
observer
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 11:21 a.m.
temper it a bit Mick, my goodness, it is only the first practice for pete's sake.......Hoke has a lot of work to do and the Lions.........
Mick
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 4:57 a.m.
I'm getting so pumped for the season to start. In less than 4 weeks we will be witnessing the start of a great new era in M Football! We're headed in the right direction folks, I can just feel it. I'll be at the EMU game and then the Lions/Chiefs Game the next day, ooh goose bumps! How great would it be if both U-M and the Lions had spectacular seasons, we fans deserve it, we've suffered long enough. Go Blue for TiM!!! "For Gods Sakes"!
Mick
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 5:27 a.m.
Hey PHXblue, your games are better than mine, but brrrrrrr, it'll be way colder for you in AA, but I'm sure you'll be warm in your heart when we beat "that school in ohio", they can't cheat anymore! Go Blue!!!
PHXblue
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 5:10 a.m.
I'm with ya Mick.... I am flying in to see the Lions-Packers on Thanksgiving then U-M vs O$U that Saturday.... High hopes for both teams this year!