Interesting position battle 2017: WR

Submitted by Real and Spectacular on

With the recruiting info from Steve today, it got me thinking about one of the question marks we will have heading into the offseason.

Next years receivers will be an intriguing mix. Grant Perry has experience but is not really a go-to type, Drake Harris has potential but will he ever reach it? Maurice Ways has been hyped in the past and has prototypical WR size, but may have been passed up by the freshmen. McDoom, Crawford and Johnson all have a lot of potential.

If we add any or all of DPJ, Collins, Black, and Oliver, they would likely factor in the mix as well. Assuming we land DPJ, who would you speculate would be our top 3? I think Harbaugh will play a lot of receivers but it will be interesting to see who emerges as the top guys. At this point it's merely a guess from me but I would predict McDoom, Crawford and Perry.

MGoBoard

Mr. Yost

October 5th, 2016 at 3:53 PM ^

No way they won't start?

You realize the #1 recruit in the entire country last year doesn't start for us? Doesn't mean he's not supremely talented and isn't a future #1 overall pick.

But guys aren't just going to roll over because an 18 year old shows up with some stars on his recruiting profile.

Kareem Walker was once the #1 RB in the country. He's dead last on our depth chart at the position (for scholarship players). And not all of it has to do with grades.

My point is, stars are a great indicator, no question...but if you've already got talent at the position...which we do. Those guys are going to mature, have a 1-3 years in the system, and be just as hungry to start.

Can both true freshman start? Absolutely. Is it some kind of lock? Hell no.

Joined: 07/25/2011

MGoPoints: -9898225

CorkyCole

October 4th, 2016 at 11:08 PM ^

I don't know.. he still will be a freshman receiver, which is a tough position for a freshman to start (especially day 1). I honestly won't be surprised to see Ways starting next season. He was hyped prior to his injury in the spring. Also, McDoom has been seeing more reps because there's not another guy really like him on the team. Harbaugh is trying to use his speed to get out on the edge. Ways isnt that kind of player and therefore wouldn't get those snaps regardless. I do think McDoom has a high chance of starting, but I believe it would be opposite Ways.

Joined: 06/13/2011

MGoPoints: 4498

CorkyCole

October 4th, 2016 at 11:28 PM ^

Yes, that is true. Pretty sure he will be one. So yes, that helps. Didn't actually think of that before. I don't know, man. Who really knows. The WR position next season will be completely up for grabs (although I'm sure Perry will be tough to beat out and don't expect him to be), and it should be a fun battle. Good conversation.

Joined: 06/13/2011

MGoPoints: 4498

Indonacious

October 5th, 2016 at 7:23 AM ^

DPJ is on par with recruits like Treadwell, who had 72 rec and 608 yards as a true freshman. They have nearly identical recruiting profiles and size. I think if DPJ early enrolls he would provide a unique skill-set with his size and play a very significant role.

Joined: 01/03/2012

MGoPoints: 16596

Mr. Yost

October 5th, 2016 at 3:57 PM ^

Completely different offenses.

I'm not saying you're wrong. But it's a hell of a lot easier to play WR in a spread versus a pro style where you're running a more complex route tree, you have to block to see PT, more timing and option routes.

If we're just through bubble screens, slants, go routes and fades...sure. If all of you have to do look to the sideline to see Rihanna or a Pokemon on a posterboard...sure.

It's different in our offense.

I do think DPJ is ultra smart and he'll pick it up, same way that Peppers does...but I wouldn't compare him to a successful WR at Ole Miss except for his size and skillset.

Joined: 07/25/2011

MGoPoints: -9898225

UofM626

October 4th, 2016 at 11:01 PM ^

Of those WR to commit to next years class it's easy to say that 2 of the 4 will redshirt. And both DPJ and Nico w play a lot IMO.... Nico had the size to be a real monster in the Big10 and will that will make those two the best in the conference.

Side note - OSU WR grimes was carted off the field last week in the Gorman vs Aquinas game. Doesn't look good for him right now.

Joined: 01/02/2012

MGoPoints: 3443

Granite

October 4th, 2016 at 11:42 PM ^

I think it is harder to play a bunch of WRs (especially as compared to RB by committee or rotating a different RB every snap) since WRs need route chemistry with the QB and lots of practice in advance.

Joined: 10/04/2016

MGoPoints: 329

San Diego Mick

October 4th, 2016 at 11:56 PM ^

Both RB and WR groups are going to get a lot of rotation.

RB's you have Evans, Isaac, Higdon, Walker and that's before any freshman who might contribute.

WR's I believe Perry will start along with McDoom with Crawford, Johnson and the freshman who end up in the class, whoever does commit they are gonna be very talented guys.

TE is a loaded position too, in other words we're gonna be loaded and whomever is the QB is one lucky guy.

Joined: 05/11/2011

MGoPoints: 50939

Lou MacAdoo

October 5th, 2016 at 12:37 PM ^

Yeah I don't want to get too excited, but when Peters/McCaffery have their time as starting qbs they're going to have an over abundance of talented weapons at their disposal. This team is going to be so fun to watch on offense. Add in Don Brown's defense after a couple years of getting his players. Oh man I can't do this. Gotta stay in the now.

Joined: 10/16/2011

MGoPoints: 6409

Jamezz23

October 5th, 2016 at 12:17 AM ^

We are loosing 2 great WR and 1 great TE but we are going to be fine at those positions next year. Even tho that doesn't sound right, it is the complete truth

Joined: 04/21/2011

MGoPoints: 1836

michfn2

October 5th, 2016 at 12:43 AM ^

As for next year, Perry might have the most experience but he's always going to be a slot type of guy. McDoom is looking a lot like that too, just he'll be more of a vertical threat. So, my guess is Crawford is going to be a starter on the outside. Probably why he's getting PT now. If we get DPJ he's most likely to be the other outside guy. JMO.



Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

Joined: 09/12/2015

MGoPoints: 3110

chad

October 5th, 2016 at 3:05 AM ^

There's also talk of them moving to WR. I'd imagine some of these will move to Db. My guess... WR-DJP, Eubanks, Gentry WR-McDoom, Collins, Black Slot - Perry, Martin DB- Crawford DJP sounds like a freak athlete and also an early enrollee. I had heard Crawford had played some DB and could move over. Any other WRs with DB experience?

Joined: 12/06/2009

MGoPoints: 353

ChicagoBigHouse

October 5th, 2016 at 5:18 AM ^

Despite the lack of playing time this year, I have a feeling that Ways will get some playing time next year due to his blocking ability.

I remember talk of him looking good prior to his foot injury, and I think the coaches will want to show the young players that blocking is the key to getting on the field.

Joined: 10/25/2008

MGoPoints: 732

rwilb

October 5th, 2016 at 7:54 AM ^

Recruits are not going to be moved to a different position just because they don't earn a starting position in the freshman year

Joined: 10/03/2015

MGoPoints: 1205

MacaroniParty

October 5th, 2016 at 8:19 AM ^

Peoples Jones starts day one. He'll be the most explosive athlete on our offense as soon as he sets foot on campus. And you can't coach his size/speed. Harris, imo, is content being a student athlete and getting his degree. Thats not a slam. I'm sure he works hard. I think the early Ways hype was in relation to his competition in practice at the time. Times have changed.

Joined: 07/28/2012

MGoPoints: 2404

Flying Dutchman

October 5th, 2016 at 9:02 AM ^

Based on nothing but a hunch, I think Drake Harris has a nice 2nd half to his Michigan career and gets to show off some of his smooth speed with the pigskin.

#grchristianhomer

Joined: 09/16/2009

MGoPoints: 11466

chad

October 5th, 2016 at 10:02 AM ^

Agree on Peoples-Jones. He's an athlete probably unmatched by any on the team next year and will be an early enrollee as well. Starter from day one. They're going to have to move some of these guys to DB especially with shortage at safety next year. Michigan very well could have 11 WRS for 3 slots next year. WRs- DPJ, McDoom, Martin, Collins, Crawford, Black, Perry, Harris, Eubanks, Gentry & Ways. I know Crawford was talked about playing DB. Any others?

Joined: 12/06/2009

MGoPoints: 353

Ali G Bomaye

October 5th, 2016 at 11:45 AM ^

McDoom, Crawford, Ways, and Perry form a pretty good foursome, and I wouldn't be surprised to see one of the younger guys (McDoom, Crawford, or Nate Johnson) take a big step up in their second year in the system. Any incoming freshman studs would get a lot of playing time as well.

If there's one thing Harbaugh is good at, it's taking athletes and putting them in a position where they can use their abilities. Even if they don't know the whole playbook, he'll give them a chance to make plays, like McDoom this year on the jet sweeps, or Peppers in his limited offensive package.

Joined: 07/08/2008

MGoPoints: 17704

Night_King

October 5th, 2016 at 12:56 PM ^

I'm feeling better about the WR corps considering Grant Perry is really settling in. All the young guys (McDoom, Crawford, maybe Eubanks) + the 4 recruits we are chasing have crazy potential, but Perry will be the proven guy next year that will be a reliable safety valve. Could see him catching 8 balls a game out of the slot. 

I need DPJ on the outside next year. Love his big play ability. 

Joined: 03/02/2016

MGoPoints: 25672