Wednesday practice update: J.T. Turner eligible, Vince Helmuth and Marell Evans to transfer
Highly touted freshman defensive back J.T. Turner is eligible and will join the University of Michigan football team for his first practice Thursday, coach Rich Rodriguez said.
Turner was approved by the NCAA Clearinghouse early Wednesday. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound cornerback missed Michigan’s first three practices.
“He wasn’t here for summer school so he didn’t get as much done as some of the other freshmen, so he’s going to be a little bit behind,” Rodriguez said. “But he’s a skillful guy and with our lack of depth and the needs we have in the secondary, if he can learn quickly he can help us. But I probably won’t know that for another week or two.”
Freshman safety Adrian Witty still is waiting on word of his eligibility, Rodriguez said. And transfer quarterback Jason Forcier, the brother of true freshman Tate Foricer, could learn as soon as Thursday whether he’ll be eligible to play for Michigan this year.
Rodriguez said linebacker Marell Evans and defensive tackle Vince Helmuth did not practice Wednesday and are expected to transfer. Helmuth, from Saline, moved from fullback to defensive tackle this spring.
Running back Brandon Minor also sat out Wednesday's practice with headaches. Rodriguez said Minor was involved in a minor car accident "a few weeks back and thought maybe he banged his head there."
"Brandon's a tough guy," Rodriguez said. "It's just continued to bother him. I said just sit it out and see if it helps a couple days or a day. When you put the helmet on and the heat, even though you're not really banging, it still is not going to help you relieve your headaches."
Comments
RWBill
Fri, Aug 14, 2009 : 5:45 p.m.
Jeebus Metric, dose of real-ity pleeze!.... hope ur right.
Dave Birkett
Thu, Aug 13, 2009 : 10:49 a.m.
I'm anxious to see Turner when we get a few periods of practice tomorrow. It's the first one in pads and I don't know if he'll be limited at all, but just to see what he looks like and get a feel for how his physical tools stack up. I'll try to get some video to post (and excuse the shakiness in advance, it's a mini handheld flip cam). As for Witty, I could be wrong but I thought he was going to get first crack at safety. We'll find out more when he gets on campus.
twill68
Thu, Aug 13, 2009 : 10:13 a.m.
How many athlete's have transfered from U of M football and basketball since the arival of the two new coaches? It seems to be an awful lot.
Txmaizenblue
Thu, Aug 13, 2009 : 8:38 a.m.
Lot a hype about Turner, but keep in mind there was just as much hype about Warren his freshman year....who was a bit of a disappointment last year. I think it was simply team related, but we still need to see a guy play before we start handing out accolades.
W0LVERINE_fanatic
Thu, Aug 13, 2009 : 7:29 a.m.
Vince Helmuth switched to DT last year. Remember he looked like he had eaten a horse after playing fullback 2 years ago?
Freemind42
Thu, Aug 13, 2009 : 7:23 a.m.
Isn't it a little early to be making comparisons to Woodson? Don't get me wrong, this guy looks good but he hasn't played a single snap yet.
tater
Wed, Aug 12, 2009 : 11:26 p.m.
Turner being eligible is great news. I would venture to say that he will be starting by about the fourth or fifth game, and should provide depth right away. I won't compare him to Woodson yet like many are, but I could see him being as good as Ty Law. That would really help out, especially this year.
richagain
Wed, Aug 12, 2009 : 9:35 p.m.
Where are all the post AA news? My commets are as worthy as yours Tate takes UM back to glory days JT wins heisman as junior thanks Mr.Woodson
azwolverine
Wed, Aug 12, 2009 : 9:30 p.m.
Don't forget, Metric, that without OSU on the schedule MSU should go undefeated and win a National Title. If they don't, they suck.
Taddie
Wed, Aug 12, 2009 : 8:02 p.m.
When you said "Graham was involved in a minor car accident" did you mean to say Brandon Minor?
Dave H
Wed, Aug 12, 2009 : 7:03 p.m.
Dave, just curious why you're calling Witty a safety now. I thought he was being brought in as a corner back. Or at least he's stated in the past that he wanted to compete for a job there first.
MetricSU
Wed, Aug 12, 2009 : 6:43 p.m.
RR is oiling the machine, Baby!!! We will win our first 7 games, GUARANTEED!