Tight End review... Ian Bunting outside looking in?

Submitted by TheReal_GR3 on

Good morning everyone,

Jake Butt will lead the way at tight end as the best TE in the B1G and maybe all of college football. After that things seem pretty wide open. 

Khalid Hill looked like the 3rd TE last year and likely to fill the blocking role but he will get a look at FB this spring so for now lets factor him as out. 

That leaves a handful of talented but unproven names in Tyrone Wheatley Jr. and Ian Bunting plus freshamn Sean McKeon (EE), Nick Eubanks and Devin Asiasi. 

As most of you know it appears Zach Gentry wil move to Tight End. 

What are your thoughts on the TE group overall next year? I think the staff would like to see a solid group of 3. I think Hill ends up playing both spots. I am hoping both Hill and Poggi drop some weight and get closer to 255 than 270 to help them move just a little better. 

The huge note I was reading today is blow... 

Link? Link: https://michigan.n.rivals.com/news/analysis-what-zach-gentry-s-move-to-tight-end-means ($) I guess... Isn't for me but others said it was and no I don't have an account. 

This article seems to suggest that Bunting might not be around going forward... Unless I am misreading things... Has anyone heard anything about Bunting either way? 

Redshirt sophomore Ian Bunting's star is fading and he will be one to watch throughout the spring and summer to see if returns for the start of fall camp in August.

 

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Ian Bunting

somewittyname

February 20th, 2016 at 11:19 AM ^

Since he seems to be built in the Butt mode, I wouldn't have expected him to have contributed more than he has at this point. Unless there's other info out there, I would have expected him to be in a strong position for Butt's role once he's gone.

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WolverineInCbus

February 20th, 2016 at 11:20 AM ^

I call bull crap. Gentry may be moving to TE but Khalid Hill is moving away from TE.... So no one is getting pushed out. He's only a redshirt freshman right now, to write him off already is ridiculous. This article is speculative in my eyes. Not bashing the OP at all, it's a good talking point,I just don't agree. He had good moments last year but was kept off the field by our depth ahead of him.



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DairyQueen

February 20th, 2016 at 3:06 PM ^

My thoughts exactly.

He played tough, was good at finding space, showed good hands, had some decent YAC, didn't go out of bounds, and fought for extra yardage.

That's a Harbaugh prototype right there.

Bunting just needs to put on some weight (he already has put on some) and get some more experience on the field blocking, because at this point in time, his presence is on the field is not being confused by the defense as a blocker, thus the true utility of having a TE.

Don't forget, Jake Butt was a freak for how much weight he put on so quickly, ((which jumped out at me when I saw the roster. And of course was confirmed by his on-field ability to be 6'6" 250lbs and high-point as well as he can. He's not a burner (his speed is a la Devin Funchess), but he can stride and find space well and position himself nicely)), so Butt was able to see the field much earlier than Bunting. Otherwise, a RSFr. seeing limited playing time, is totally par for the course.

Khalid Hill and AJ Williams got their yards last season due to the fact that no defense really saw them as receiving threats. Not the same with Bunting.

But Bunting has done great in his limited time so far. There were also a few times where the announcers mistook him for Jake Butt.

From everything I've seen, Bunting will be great for UM.

 

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gmoney41

February 20th, 2016 at 11:21 AM ^

Ole Skillet hands seemed to play well when he was on the field.  He needs to bulk up to help his blocking ability, but I don't see why there is this negative talk about him.

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gopoohgo

February 20th, 2016 at 11:23 AM ^

This would be surprising.  Bunting looked pretty good, albeit in limited duty last year.

Eubanks appears destined for a redshirt due to his size, Asiasi was supposedly the most 'college ready' of the three frosh TEs due to his combination of size, hands, and speed.

 

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Hotel Putingrad

February 20th, 2016 at 11:23 AM ^

I'm just going to say two things: 1) I like Ian Bunting, and 2) the more fleet, ginormous tight ends you have, the better. Okay, I'll add a third thing: Eubanks may be converted to WR, and Wheatley's best position is still TBD. But way to start the weekend, OP!

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DrMantisToboggan

February 20th, 2016 at 11:24 AM ^

No Bunting will be good and be the number 2 TE. He continues to add weight and lower body strength to be an in line blocker, not just a jumbo receiver. He's entrenched behind Jake. 

#3 TE will be Asiasi or Wheatley, it will be a battle. Asiasi is very good, I'd expect him to win. McKeon and Eubanks are probably redshirts. 

Hill is more a FB, HB now in the Poggi mold (but with really good hands). 

Gentry is a project at the position, could be effective in 2017 or 2018.

 

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WolvinLA2

February 20th, 2016 at 11:31 AM ^

I agree that seems odd. He looked very good in the time he saw the field last year, AJ Williams is gone and almost everyone else is either unproven or needs a RS.

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Ecky Pting

February 20th, 2016 at 11:37 AM ^

Ol' Skillet-hands is money, and seems like one of the few who's an unqualified TE and not being considered for other spots, that I can recall. Looking forward to seeing him in action.



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autodrip4-1968

February 20th, 2016 at 11:41 AM ^

I see Ian in the top three in some or most games. When it comes to the skill guy's their we're unpredictable usage of player's every game. I think there will be a whole bevy of skill guy's playing under coach Harbaugh. It's quite frankly, exciting. I'm going to say Ian will see the field depending on opponent. Lot's of options for coach.

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gopoohgo

February 20th, 2016 at 11:46 AM ^

Depending on the opponent?

Butt and Bunting lined up on the same side would be a matchup nightmare against most teams.  One will be lined up against a LB, another against a safety.  Add motion to give onself a cleaner release off the line...

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StephenRKass

February 20th, 2016 at 11:44 AM ^

Interesting speculation. We'll know soon enough after Spring Ball. Personally, I think there are still too many variables to tell much.

  • Does Hill make it at FB? If so, take him out, as you state (and then sneak him back in).
  • Does Wheatley stay at TE or move to OL? Haven't heard a lot about this.
  • How fast does Gentry pick thijngs up? Personally, I think he needs a real year of practice to learn the ropes and gain strength and weight.
  • What about the incoming Freshmen? We're always excited about them, but I am doubtful they can come in and immediately supplant anyone, including Bunting.
  • Who "wants it" more? Who has the intangibles that don't always show up in strength and speed? It often is the case that someone does really well at "football," even though there are others who are bigger, faster, stronger. As an example from the OL, Kalis has always looked like a star. His play, however, has left something to be desired. He has been inconsistent, and disappointing. Until we actually see guys on the field, we won't know whether they've figured it out. Cream will rise to the top. Let's wait and see.

One other thing:  none of this "be gentle on me" nonsense. Glad to see you post, but if you're going to post, deal with the flack that comes with it. Oh, and if you're going to link a paywalled article, mention that it is paywalled.

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grumbler

February 20th, 2016 at 12:48 PM ^

His post wasn't being a jerk at all.  He was giving you good advice, and wasn't name-calling.  "Jerk" posts involve name-calling, like "it doesn't matter to you to be a jerk."  You might want to keep that in mind when you decide to attack someone for posting in response to one of your posts..

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Mr. Yost

February 20th, 2016 at 11:50 AM ^

TE1 (traditional)

1. Jake Butt (Sr.)
2. Ian Bunting (RS So.)
3. Zach Gentry (RS Fr.)
rs: Sean McKeon (Fr.)
rs: Nick Eubanks (Fr.)

TE2 (jumbo)
1. Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (RS Fr.)
2. Devin Asiasi (Fr.)

There will be plenty of snaps unless all of these freshman (+ Gentry) are going to come in and pass him up. He could be starting in 2 years. If he's leaving, he gets passed up by the world or he just doesn't like it at Michigan - both seem far fetched for someone in his position.

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kgh10

February 20th, 2016 at 11:48 AM ^

Let's just say I'd be surprised if a converted QB, even one with the size and athleticism of Gentry, would overtake a true TE with game experience who was buried behind a huge senior (AJ) and one of the best TEs in the nation (Butt). I wonder how that Rivals writer came to their conclusion/if they have any insider info about that? I hope he's not sniffing around bc I think he'll be a good one.

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DairyQueen

February 20th, 2016 at 3:22 PM ^

My guess is that "controversy" causes more reposts and online-conversations that drive more attention/clicks/link-thrus to the article/website than if he had instead just said something more likely, believeable and thus unremarkable in the article.

Jus' sayin'

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2manylincs

February 20th, 2016 at 3:55 PM ^

I have no insider info. But id assume that gentry to te means that okorn probably has qb pretty much locked down. Which would be a very good thing. If he was still in a qb competition, there would be no reason for gentry to move to te. He definitely has the tools to play qb but maybe he couldnt pick up the polish and saw the writing on the wall with 2 years of okorn and 2 very good prospects coming in. As far as te, i think that he has the talent to be an nfl level guy there too, but im not expecting him to contribute this year. Probably next year gentry, mckeon, and bunting have a war for butts spot. My guess for this year would be butt as inline te with a scrum of asiasi, hill, wheatley and bunting depending on matchup and if they want more h back, flex, or inline aj williams type.

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turtleboy

February 20th, 2016 at 11:52 AM ^

I fully expect Bunting to be the #2 TE this season. Butt, Bunting, Asiasi, and likely Wheatley getting most of the snaps, with healthy Shallman, Poggi, and Hill comprising the FB rotation. If Gentry is on the field it'll be fun to watch for potential trick plays, as well. Since we're already returning 7 receivers and have signed 6 more I'd expect the other 2 TEs to redshirt unless somehow needed.

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mgobaran

February 20th, 2016 at 11:54 AM ^

(Position) Depth Chart Guess

Flex/Beast  -  Butt, Bunting, Gentry, Eubanks, McKeon
Inline TE  -  Wheatly Jr., Asiasi
H-Back  -  Poggi*, Hill

With Poggi our nominal FB starter, the best place for a shot at playing time Bunting, Gentry, Eubanks or McKeon, would be the H-back position. None of those four are big enough to fill the inline TE position AJ Williams departure opens up. None of those four are going to displace Butt's minutes in a meaningful way. 

And while an H-back usually is closer to 6'4" than 6'7", it is also a position where you need a little more beef than the Flex position Butt currently holds. With Gentry, Eubanks, and McKeon all further off the the ideal playing weight then Bunting is, Bunting willl probably be slotted over to the H-back role behind Hill. 

Splitting time with Hill, even at a 70/30 type split will be more playing time than anyone behind Butt would get. 

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