AZBlue

July 7th, 2016 at 3:12 PM ^

Just need to makes sure M doesn't have another Hash-bash event the next time his parents come up with him..... Lorenz did also note that he might be a "weather kid" from his comments after his visit on the temps the day(s) after the Spring game.

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reddogrjw

July 7th, 2016 at 2:23 PM ^

do we really need a 2nd TE this year?

 

with 3 in 2016 we should be able to dial back to 1 this year then 2 next

 

plus we have 2 from 2015 with the Gentry move

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Space Coyote

July 7th, 2016 at 3:01 PM ^

Unless someone transfers. Likely 1 JR, 3 So, and 2 FR by eligibility (Dunaway will likely be on RS). And that doesn't include H-backs like Poggi and Hill, though they will both be Seniors. On the flip side, Michigan also have a few FB/TE/H-Back options coming in with Lasater and Mason, so that's a net even.

So 1 is probably appropriate without another top flight TE coming on board. But probably need at least 2 next year. Michigan should always have at least 3 TEs per two classes.

Joined: 06/18/2009

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Magnus

July 7th, 2016 at 3:21 PM ^

I think the 2016 class was a bit of a calibration based on the roster Harbaugh inherited, so I wouldn't necessarily take that as the blueprint. Given that idea, I guess I don't think slot receiver was particularly heavy in 2016. Michigan needed guys other than Grant Perry, and so he got some guys who can contribute immediately and some guys who can develop down the road; but some are also guys who could play defense.

The nice thing about recruiting running backs is they can often switch positions. You see cornerbacks, safeties, linebackers, and fullbacks (along with other positions) who were former running backs. He got a few running backs in 2016, but Davis (fullback) and Evans (receiver, defensive back) could play elsewhere. Kurt Taylor might be limited to running back, but A.J. Dillon (linebacker) and O'Maury Samuels (safety) could probably play elsewhere if RB doesn't pan out.

The two positions I would say are a little out of whack are tight end (perhaps too many) and safety (perhaps too few). Otherwise, I'm pretty comfortable with the numbers at each position; we could have used an OT or two in 2016, but we seem to be correcting for that in 2017.

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gjking

July 7th, 2016 at 3:44 PM ^

Super interesting perspective and I appreciate the reponse! Per the other comment I do read your blog too. 

Safety is a concern to me and I think that the Kovacs/Wilson streak has lulled fans into not worrying about the position much. I'd love to land a top safety in the 2017 class and get some bodies for depth too. 

 

 

Joined: 10/16/2011

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AZBlue

July 7th, 2016 at 3:07 PM ^

A bit salty today? Ace is saying that TE is still a need because Lorenz and Webb are hearing that from their inside sources on the staff. It doesn't make much sense to me either -- unless another TE commit is amenable to taking a grayshirt if needed. (Total speculation, but makes sense IMO)

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DrMantisToboggan

July 7th, 2016 at 2:33 PM ^

I've liked Falo as an athlete for a long time, just never knew how tenable of an option he was until recently. I don't think Dunaway is a real player, would love to be wrong there. Just doesn't look very athletic. We could still be okay at the position if we don't take anymore until 2018.  

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WolvinLA2

July 7th, 2016 at 2:51 PM ^

I definitely think that on the TE spectrum, Dunaway will be closer to AJ Williams than Nick Eubanks, but you need to give him another look. He's got some solid athleticism to him and he's also really big. I don't know that he'll be Jake Butt but he'll be a guy who's a huge asset in the run game and then gets open when you're not ready for it. Guys his size are also really tough to defend.

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Laser Wolf

July 7th, 2016 at 2:44 PM ^

He's a highly sought after recruit that picked a rival over us. It's relevant news. What is the "and" you're looking for?

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AZBlue

July 7th, 2016 at 3:00 PM ^

More like he WAS a highly sought after recruit. M hasn't been pursuing him vigorously (as far as what I have read) for a few months. Still a "win" over M that will be touted by MSU fans, as will Reid from Cass Tech that they should also get this week. -- Raise your hand if you even remembered that we offered Reid.

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AZBlue

July 7th, 2016 at 3:28 PM ^

I think there is a chance of that, but I doubt Harbaugh would ever truly give up on a kid he really wanted. Maybe it just wasn't a good fit on either side after his visit? I remember the interest in Caleb Kelly dropping after his visit and I assumed that was a personality/attitude fit between the two sides because Kelly had all the talent required.

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Space Coyote

July 7th, 2016 at 2:52 PM ^

It seemed early on there was some mutual interest, but I think MSU and PSU pushed harder for him and when Michigan fell behind they didn't really put in the effort to play catch up. Don't get me wrong, still think Michigan liked him as a player, they just saw more likely options elsewhere on their board that were above, even, or near where they had Dotson.

But Dotson is a nice pickup for MSU. Nice frame, pretty good athlete, willing blocker. He won't confuse anyone for Funchess, I don't think he'll be running away from Safeties, but has strong hands and a long stride that should allow him to get separation and make plays within their offense. Good pickup for a rival. Rumors that they may be losing one of the TEs on their depth chart and they lose the top two guys after this year, so they need bodies at the position.

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The Oracle

July 7th, 2016 at 2:55 PM ^

Oh well. I guess they'll have to somehow get by with Wheatley, Bunting, Asiasi, Gentry and the rest.

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