CalifExile

January 21st, 2017 at 1:20 AM ^

MLive ran another articla setting forth the argument:

"We love spreading it around to different guys and we think it helps them with the National Football League," offensive coordinator Tim Drevno said this season. "In the NFL, you don't want to take a guy who has a bunch of carries (on him). They want a guy who is a little bit fresher. I think that helps (our guys). You don't want a guy who has a bunch of carries and is taking all those hits. You want to save some energy and life for them.

 

"Having coached in the NFL, you have a better understanding after sitting in draft rooms. You understand what GMs and scouts look for and you hear them talk. You see how important that is at that level and you have a better awareness and appreciation of the health of somebody to make sure they have a bright (future)."

http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2017/01/2017_sneak_peek_will_…

Joined: 03/02/2010

MGoPoints: 12625

Matte Kudasai

January 20th, 2017 at 6:37 PM ^

4 of our 5 OL were either 1st or 2nd team All Big 10

1 (Bredeson - true freshman) was honorable mention.

Sorry, not a fan of Deveon Smith and in fact our problem was equally the RB as it was the OL.

Evans, Higdon & Isaac seemed to do just fine behind this OL.

You can love Deveon all you want, but his lack of speed and vision made him no better than an average (at best) RB.

Joined: 05/04/2016

MGoPoints: 4596

Wolfman

January 20th, 2017 at 11:46 PM ^

but because the next to last paragraph is true, that tells me Deveon possessed far more qualities one looks for in a RB than the others. His ability to identify and pick up blitzing lbers and other intangibles made him the best option, even though the others received a ton of carries as well. Evans, obviously, possesses the most talent and is more promising than others on the roster and, with time, should acquire the necessary skills to become the main option. But in cases like isaacs who runs much smaller than he is, ending runs with a fall down, instead of using his size and one would think, strength, to punish defenders, it's not difficult for the position coach to recommend someone else get more carries, especially understanding he has tried to motivate him to use all of his given abilities. 

I did not think Bell was a "superstar" back at MSU and thought the result of much of his yardage was due to nothing more than matchups. And that could have been true. However, NFL teams look for specifics in a RB and are willing to roster one that may not have all the qualities that would make them an ideal fit, but even those who have a limited skill set but are very good with certain aspects can prove very valuable. 

As an aside, even though I fully expecct Evans to emerge as The Man this fall I hope we are able to keep Samuels who, imo, could be as exciting as Evans. i also think Dillon made an ill advised choice. Think he would have been perfect fit for what Harbaugh is trying to put together,. 

Joined: 07/23/2008

MGoPoints: 8259

switch26

January 20th, 2017 at 10:18 AM ^

I honestly don't think having younger guys that have only been coached by harbaughs staff will be worse than last year's line. The seniors leaving were coached so poorly for so many years, they just never put it together. Our young guys should have better technique now

Joined: 02/04/2010

MGoPoints: 8309

BlueFaninCincy

January 20th, 2017 at 10:28 AM ^

I would LOOOOOOVE to see Deveon make an NFL roster. One tough dude. And the clown in the row behind us at the Indiana game who kept ragging about how awful he thinks Deveon is can suck a bag of dicks.

- Signed, the 2015 BYU Defense and Me



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Joined: 10/24/2013

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Qmatic

January 20th, 2017 at 10:37 AM ^

It's crazy how poor our offensive line has been the past 5 years. And to think, the 2013 line which caused Devin Gardner to have PTSD had 3 future NFL starters. Shoot, if Kalis or Mags make the league they would have had 4.

Mags might have a chance to carve out a career like Omaneah, but I don't see much of a chance for Kalis or Braden.

Poor Fitz, Poor DeVeon.

Joined: 01/09/2013

MGoPoints: 32955

BlueinOK

January 20th, 2017 at 11:18 AM ^

With his style I could see him having a role with an NFL team. Seems like there's tough, physical runners that are successful in the league, especially with the short self life of RBs now. 

Joined: 12/06/2009

MGoPoints: 15029

jabberwock

January 20th, 2017 at 11:34 AM ^

he's never been known for his speed.

I'm too lazy to search, does anyone have his recruit 40 time, or something during his Michigan tenure?

EDIT: nfldraftscout lists it a 4.57 40, but I have no idea where/when it's from.

Joined: 07/04/2008

MGoPoints: 51146

Mr. Yost

January 20th, 2017 at 12:09 PM ^

Apparently he's just running people over in practice.

I don't think people realize how hard that kid plays. He's going to get drafted and have a career until he loses that little bit of a step he's got as a young man.

He's tough as nails and plays so frickin hard. A coach's dream. I wouldn't be shocked to see him go to the Ravens in the late rounds. Harbaugh to Harbaugh, I know Jim absolutely LOVED De'Veon Smith.

Joined: 07/25/2011

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M_Born M_Believer

January 20th, 2017 at 12:26 PM ^

His Pass Pro gets him on a team as a 3rd down back.  Now that he is showing everyone just how hard he runs, I bet he gets drafted by the Steelers and is put in the mix for carries with Bell......

 

The Steelers live for that brutal punishing back.  Smith fits the bill to a "T"

 

Joined: 11/11/2009

MGoPoints: 11786

Wolfman

January 21st, 2017 at 12:02 AM ^

he did provide some great memories, none greater than breaking out of the pack vs. BYU and simply tossing defenders aside as if asking, "really?" One of the greatest runs I've seen. 

Joined: 07/23/2008

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