Ronnie Bell article, what he's seen from the sidelines this year
I found it on Yahoo, it's written by Isaiah Hole. Not super long, but interesting. To me, anyway. Ronnie Bell's impressions of the season, individual players, and what he hopes for next year. He confirms he is coming back, though I don't think that's a surprise to anyone. https://www.yahoo.com/sports/ronnie-bell-seen-michigan-football-032231122.html
December 13th, 2021 at 10:06 AM ^
Bill Connolly says that one of the biggest indicators in the preseason for a good offense is returning receivers. I think the offense is going to be even more consistent and explosive next year if replacing Vastardis goes smoothly. That's the only spot I'm worried about.
Props to Bell for staying involved despite the injury. Broke our hearts to see him go down that first game. But I expect him to have a huge year this year. Take the pressure off some of the young guys that are still developing.
December 13th, 2021 at 11:01 AM ^
Perhaps the grad-transfer from Virginia, Oluwatimi-the third place Rimington Trophy center, who is visiting will allow our young centers to get another year under their belts and keep our OL on an ascending path.
December 13th, 2021 at 12:00 PM ^
I suppose we have a good problem next year in that we have a very crowded room of returning receiviers. Bell, Roman Wilson, Cornelius Johnson, Sainristil, Andrel, Henning. Then you still have All & Schoonmaker and oh that Donovan Edwards kid. That's a lot of guys hoping to catch the football - hope we can keep everyone happy enough
December 13th, 2021 at 4:03 PM ^
"This year"? You've already moved on?
December 13th, 2021 at 10:13 AM ^
I feel bad for Ronnie that he hasn’t been a part of this, on the field, but he is still an important player while injured.
I can’t wait to see the determination he comes back with next year.
December 13th, 2021 at 11:11 AM ^
Bell is to the 2021 team what Eric Mayes was to the 1997 squad.
December 13th, 2021 at 11:14 AM ^
The MGoGirlfriend and I have both noticed Ronnie being active on the sidelines. She especially liked the sight of Ronnie hugging Harbaugh during the buckeye beatdown, and then backing away quickly as Coach got doused with the Gatorade bath.
Deceptive move and good timing. Attaboy, Ronnie.
December 13th, 2021 at 12:24 PM ^
I just thought it was good blocking. He prevented Harbaugh from releasing so he could be doused.
December 13th, 2021 at 12:32 PM ^
Agreed, Bell looked like the setup man for sure. Harbaugh even gave him the "REALLY? Damn, you got me" face right before the second Gatorade dump.
December 13th, 2021 at 3:21 PM ^
Although he tried to keep it under wraps, you could tell that Harbaugh was so happy as hell to be finally getting doused in Gatorade.
December 13th, 2021 at 10:15 AM ^
I think our offense will be very good next year. It is the losses on defense that are a bigger concern. Of course - there are still more games to play this season so that is a future problem :-)
December 13th, 2021 at 10:23 AM ^
My only concerns are C and DE. Every other spot that we are replacing players, I feel like we've seen enough from backups to know that it's probably going to be ok. Hutch and Ojabo will be hard to replace. Going to have to be a team effort to replace their impact, not any one or two players. We've recruited quality Cs to replace Vastardis. Still gotta see it before I'm fully confident.
December 13th, 2021 at 10:30 AM ^
Maybe our strength on defense next year can be our inside lineman and not our bookends. Big years for Hinton and Smith?
December 13th, 2021 at 10:36 AM ^
I'm a bit more concerned about the defense than you are, since we're losing two all-everything DEs plus Dax Hill. I think the defense might regress a bit, even with good development everywhere on the existing roster, because our difference-making players were so crucial.
But I'm otherwise right with you. Our offense has the tools to be terrific next year, and while I still maintain some reservations about how things are used, my pessimism has increasingly proven to be misplaced as this team has produced explosive plays over and over again against defenses ranging from mediocre to elite, and combined the running game quality with the existing assets in the passing game well, especially late this season.
There's no reason this offense shouldn't be elite next year. It's already quite good this year / approaching excellent (ask again after the Orange Bowl). And we probably lose our top RB... but we maintain the Corum/Edwards duo, whomever emerges as the best QB option among Cade and JJ, hopefully keep both of All and Schoonmaker, and add Ronnie Bell, who looked like he was going to be dominant this year, to a stable of receivers that is already quite good.
I think I read somewhere that Michigan has the most 50+ yard plays in the country. Is that true? It sounds plausible, which is wild enough. Now add a #1 receiver looking to establish himself as a future NFL mainstay, level up Anthony and/or Wilson, play Edwards 40 snaps a game between slot and RB, give Corum 20 touches every game...
Let's keep the gang together for another year and see what happens.
December 13th, 2021 at 10:43 AM ^
Yeah, it feels like next year we may see more of the transition costs/learning experiences with the defensive staff shift because they walked into a pretty good position with the two defensive ends and experience at safety and LB (with Ross). But my optimism on defense stems from possibly having 3 plus corners, some young talent at safety, and possibly an above-average-to-good interior defensive line. One consistent knock with Brown I do think carries some weight is he didn't play backups much so you had a lot of guys with limited game reps. I don't think that's essential or anything; coaches see these guys in practice all week and they still develop. But rotating through with guys definitely gives you a stronger sense of the entire defense and builds up some functional depth.
Offensively the team is going to be bear even with the loss of Haskins. Corum and Edwards are going to be a dynamic duo and I'm actually sort of high on Dunlap being a Haskins-like big guy with some wiggle and athleticism. An the WR group + TEs could well be the most complete group in the conference.
December 13th, 2021 at 11:22 AM ^
Alongside Corum and Edwards, it would be nice to have a Hammerin' Panda on the roster. Hassan filled that roll when needed, but neither Corum nor Edwards is a pile mover in a short yardage situation. Fifteen carries a year for 10 first downs and 5 TDs.
December 13th, 2021 at 11:38 AM ^
I don't think the defense will be better overall, but I don't think it'll be significantly worse. Should see upgrades at CB, LB and interior DL. S has to replace Hawkins and Hill but Moten and Moore got a ton of playing time this year and didn't look out of place (Moten just needs to catch the ball!). DE is the biggest question mark. Would love to get a DE transfer on the level of Danna just to raise the floor of that position group for next season. Otherwise, Macdonald gonna have his work cut out for him getting pressure.
December 14th, 2021 at 9:38 AM ^
I'm high on the younger LBs, too, but losing Josh Ross is going to hurt more than you're budgeting for here. "Upgrade" at LB is a stretch to me, just because Ross was that calming, experienced influence out there. To wit, when he went out vs. Rutgers things unraveled a bit.
December 13th, 2021 at 12:03 PM ^
I'm afraid many people unintentionally undersell how important Ojabo and Hutch were to the OSU gameplan this year. Great gameplan - but keeping guys in front of you doesn't work as well if the QB has all day in the pocket. It's going to be very hard to replicate that production
December 13th, 2021 at 12:22 PM ^
Edge rushers are going to be able to name their price on the transfer market. Especially after seeing Michigan go to the playoffs on the back of elite DE play.
December 13th, 2021 at 11:54 AM ^
I'm feeling BPONE creeping back into conversations. Let's just enjoy this season and let the coaches worry about doing their jobs and getting the team ready for next year.
December 13th, 2021 at 10:25 AM ^
I am trying to enjoy this run but I have similar feelings for next season. Offense will be amazing. The defense replacing Hutchinson, Ojabo, Ross, Hill, and Hawkins is a little concerning.
December 13th, 2021 at 10:31 AM ^
The biggest drop off is DE considering most teams can’t replace TWO top 10 picks at DE.
December 13th, 2021 at 10:41 AM ^
Agreed we're all enjoying this run, but it's hard not to be curious what next year might look like while we all wait for the CFP to start.
Dax Hill is expected to go early 2nd round, so I'm not so sure that he leaves early. Ojabo OTOH will probably go top 20. Would love to see him stay and hope to move up in the draft, but realistically...
December 13th, 2021 at 10:43 AM ^
It's going to be concerning. Positives: more coaching from the staff that we are currently quite high on. Cautiously optimistic about talent development. The secondary appears to be coming together.
...And this year is a great stake in the ground. Even if the defense is frightening at times next year, well, we've established a baseline as a playoff team... and if the offense reaches potential, we'll still win a lot of games. And that means that even if we don't have a national title defense next year the program maintains a key level of excellence that consolidates the momentum and, hopefully, translates into serious recruiting success that allows Michigan to sustain this level for years.
The floor is a lot higher than it looked like it would be three months ago.
December 13th, 2021 at 1:56 PM ^
There is no chance that we are as strong rushing the passer from the edge next year (or possibly ever). Still, we have seen some great early returns on players like Morris and Jenkins. Upshaw had a great IU game. McGregor seems to have “it” and let’s not discount Harrell, he seems like a forgotten piece. He isn’t the pass rusher Ojabo is, but he has shown to be at the very least equal (I think better) run defender on the edge as more of a traditional stand-up OLB. With that we keep our best All-B1G level tackles, two young but experienced now safeties and 3 CBs plus Will Johnson and McBurrows. LB has Colson NHG and Mullings.
Again, we won’t be the pass rushing force we were this year, but I don’t expect a major drop off in overall production
December 13th, 2021 at 2:44 PM ^
It’s impossible to project forward with any high level of confidence. This year’s team reinforced that notion. There was no indication coming into this year that Hutch would be THIS dominant and Ojabo was an unknown quantity. Pass rushing production could still be just as high but possibly more spread around. If you look at total team sacks as a stat, UM didn’t rank very high. We relied on two players to create pass rush. I’m willing to at least entertain the idea that we could be just as good or better with our pass rush due to better overall depth of talent and scheme familiarity.
December 13th, 2021 at 7:12 PM ^
Has anyone seen the schedule next year? We’re not losing a game.
December 13th, 2021 at 7:39 PM ^
In my experience, that means the offense will underperform expectations and the defense will be even better.
December 13th, 2021 at 10:34 AM ^
The biggest losses are obviously Hutch and Ojabo. They'll need someone like McGregor to step up in a big way. Losing Dax and Hawkins stings, but some young guys got some play at safety this year and looked good. I also think we can expect the DL to take a step forward with Mazi and Hinton returning and Benny playing a bigger role.
December 13th, 2021 at 10:58 AM ^
People keep forgetting about Benny and Rooks. Both should see a major shift in playing time next season.
December 13th, 2021 at 12:03 PM ^
I completely forgot about Rooks (proving your point ?). The DL could be a big strength next year.
December 13th, 2021 at 11:08 AM ^
We have the luxury of both Hutchinson and Ojabo bookending the pass rush for only two more games, and then there will will be a palpable drop-off afterwards at DE, so I wouldn't be surprised if our bend-but-don't-break defense is a lot more bendy to start. The saving grace is that DE is more of position than, say, OL where you can be more easily be impactful right away without a few seasons of experience and continuity - case in point, well... Ojabo!
December 13th, 2021 at 11:52 AM ^
Yeah, we had no idea Ojabo was going to blow up like he did this season. He made one tackle last season.
December 13th, 2021 at 10:25 AM ^
I'm really looking forward to the Georgia game and beyond.
December 13th, 2021 at 10:29 AM ^
Next year could be ludicrous. The number of tested receiving threats are fantastic, plus at least a couple of guys who have elite metrics.
And all that's before Bell takes a step onto the field.
December 13th, 2021 at 10:33 AM ^
We will have Bell, Baldwin, Johnson, Sainristil, Henning, Anthony, Henning and Wilson with a good amount of experience. The question becomes can we hold onto them all?
December 13th, 2021 at 10:42 AM ^
As long as they spread the ball out. It depends on how spring practice goes which would be a time for some players to leave the program. I'm hoping for the best.
December 13th, 2021 at 11:02 AM ^
I doubt we keep both Hennings!
December 13th, 2021 at 11:05 AM ^
Shhhh, don't tell Henning.
December 13th, 2021 at 11:28 AM ^
Wouldn't be surprised if a guy or two transfers, especially from the slot position, though we could lose an outside guy if he sees the writing on the wall.
Mostly mentioning this to calibrate expectations. I thought Giles Jackson leaving last year was a problem and I was mistaken; when you have this many guys deserving of touches, some of them may have to go somewhere else to get those touches. It shouldn't necessarily be read as anything negative. To be honest, I almost expect someone to transfer out of the slot, because I think our RB stable is going to eat some of those snaps, too.
December 13th, 2021 at 11:28 AM ^
I need a break from media. I read your first sentence as those get tested for COVID are receiving threats.
December 13th, 2021 at 10:34 AM ^
Every time I see Isaiah Hole's name, I think of I Hole, and then I think of this:
December 13th, 2021 at 10:56 AM ^
My 8 year old was searching YouTube for Mark Rober yesterday and the first suggestion that came up after he typed the M was “Mr Poopybutthole”.
December 13th, 2021 at 10:35 AM ^
i love that guy.
December 13th, 2021 at 10:41 AM ^
While imagining next years offense with Ronnie Bell, consider the growth and improvement this season has brought both the WR group and the QBs... When he went, the #1 spot opened up and all of those guys had a fairly equal chance to become the QB's go-to target. They all stepped up - they all improved route running, blocking, catching, and effort. The QB's could no longer lock onto the one guy they knew would be open, and would catch anything thrown at him. They had to start looking around for an open guy, and finding ways to get them open. Gattis, too - he couldn't rely on the 'throw it to Bell' play any longer!
I hate to say that an injury to a key player can be a good thing, but I really do think Bell's injury forced the offense to become more versatile. Doing it again, I'd prefer him not to get injured. But all things considered, I think it really worked out quite well...
December 13th, 2021 at 10:44 AM ^
WR blocking has always been a Harbaugh strength, but I agree with you on route-running: It looks excellent. It's something that used to be a weakness, and it looks like the WR coaching has really turned a corner here. That's a huge plus.
December 13th, 2021 at 11:06 AM ^
For those of you that are lamenting the downfall of the defense next year, just keep in mind that there was not a lot of high expectations for this year either. We are going to lose 2 very good defensive ends, but no one thought Ojabo would break out like this because he had only played a handful of snaps. Guys like Morris and Harrell have already flashed great potential so we could be alright there.
I think it’s plausible that this defense could be as good or better next year if a few things fall the right way. The DTs should both be back and could be a dominant group, Colson and Hill-Green make the sophomore leap at LB, and the secondary could absolutely be as good since we are returning both corners plus Moore and Moten taking the sophomore leap. Add in more familiarity with MacDonalds system and I really think we can make a case we shouldn’t skip too much of a beat. We might not terrorize the QB like we did this year, but I’m certain there are things we will do better.
December 13th, 2021 at 11:37 AM ^
I don't think anyone is "lamenting the downfall" of the defense but there are legitimate concerns.
-Hutchinson turned in one of the most dominate seasons in Michigan history AND Ojabo a single sack away from being tied for 2nd in single season sack records at U of M.
-Hawkins is an extremely underrated player (2nd team AA to PFF) and provides a ton of leadership. Daxton Hill erased edge plays and often locked down top receiving threats.
There are reasons for optimism:
-DT should be elite with Smith and Hinton and the depth should be more experienced. This should help mitigate the loss our elite edge guys.
-Edge guys like Harrell, McGregor, Upshaw have shown potential.
-LB duo of 2022 Colson and Hill-Green should be as good or better than Ross/Colson. There are also multiple high upside young guys brewing.
-S Moten and Moore showed a LOT of potential and we have some other high upside guys as depth.
-CB returns the starters, another year of development for depth.
-We are bringing in arguably Harbaugh's best defensive class.
I trust the team to put together a solid unit but just losing Hutchinson is a HUGE blow.
December 13th, 2021 at 12:42 PM ^
-We are bringing in arguably Harbaugh's best defensive class.
Love you, but the 2016 class had the highest rated recruit ever (Gary) as well as Devin Bush, David Long, Lavert Hill, Uche and others.