TomVH: Defensive Recruiting, Who's Left?
Since Justice Hayes just committed, and there were still people looking around to see if it was ok to ask if he plays defense, I thought I would help them out. Here's a look at who's left on the defensive front for Michigan recruiting.
First, who's committed so far:
Name | Position | Height/Weight | Star Ranking |
---|---|---|---|
Brennen Beyer | DE | 6'4", 225 lbs. | 4 Star |
Demetrius Hart | RB | 5'8", 190 lbs. | 4 Star |
Justice Hayes | RB/Slot | 5'10", 175 lbs. | 4 Star |
Dallas Crawford | DB | 5'10", 185 lbs. | 3 Star |
Shawn Conway | WR | 6'4", 183 lbs. | 3 Star |
Greg Brown | DB | 5'10", 180 lbs. | 3 Star |
Jake Fisher | OL | 6'7", 260 lbs. | 3 Star |
Delonte Hollowell | DB | 5'8", 162 lbs. | 3 Star |
Kellen Jones | LB | 6'1", 209 lbs. | 3 Star |
Jack Miller | OL | 6'4", 270 lbs. | 3 Star |
Tony Posada | OL | 6'5", 315 lbs. | 3 Star |
Chris Rock | DE/DT | 6'5", 250 lbs. | 3 Star |
Kevin Sousa | QB | 6'2", 220 lbs. | 3 Star |
For those counting at home, that's six commitments out of thirteen that are on the defensive side of the ball. There are around 9 spots left, give or take, for Michigan to fill up this class with. These are the current defensive recruits that Michigan has a shot with.
Photo | Name | Vitals | Hometown | Stars | Film | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anthony Zettel |
6'4", 255 lbs. |
West Branch, MI |
4 Stars | Junior Highlights | |||||||||||||||
Zettel is waiting until after the season is over to make his announcement. He has already taken his official to Iowa (Nov. 20th), he's visiting Penn State this weekend, and will be at Michigan on December 10th for the Big Chill. | |||||||||||||||||||
Deion Barnes |
6'5", 230 lbs. |
Philadelphia, PA | 4 star | Deion Runs Fast | |||||||||||||||
Barnes has Michigan in his top five along with Georgia, Penn State, Pitt, and South Carolina. He has mentioned several times he plans on visiting after the season. He may visit for December 10th as well. |
2011 Defensive Tackle Prospects
Photo | Name | Vitals | Hometown | Stars | Film | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Timmy Jernigan |
6'2", 275 lbs. |
Lake City, FL |
4 Star | Junior Highlights | |||||||||||||||
Jernigan has Michigan in his top group with LSU, Alabama, and Florida State. He has made some recent trips to Florida, so I wouldn't count them out. I've been hearing a lot lately about Timmy, and a recruit actually told me that Jernigan really likes Michigan. He's concerned with our defensive scheme, however, so we'll see what happens. | |||||||||||||||||||
Darian Cooper |
6'3", 275 lbs. |
Hyattsville, MD | 4 Star | Junior Highlights | |||||||||||||||
Cooper is planning a winter visit to Michigan, and outside of Jernigan, is probably Michigan's best option at defensive tackle. His season ended in the WCAC championship game this weekend, so he's now focusing on recruiting. | |||||||||||||||||||
Mickey Johnson |
6'1", 310 lbs. |
Covington, LA |
4 Star | Junior Highlights | |||||||||||||||
While Johnson continues to list Michigan in his top group, I don't think he'll end up choosing the Wolverines. His name is still on the radar, but not likely. |
Photo | Name | Vitals | Hometown | Stars | Film | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kris Frost |
6'3", 210 lbs. |
Matthews, NC |
4 Star | Junior Highlights | |||||||||||||||
As everyone knows, Frost just got back from his official visit to Michigan. This visit came at the perfect time for Frost, and for Michigan. He will take officials to LSU and Cal, and is going to try to make it back up to Michigan again before deciding at the US Army game. Frost will be an early enrollee. I included him here for argument sake, since he is also being recruited for receiver. | |||||||||||||||||||
Desmond Morgan |
6'1", 225 lbs. |
Holland, MI | 3 Star | Senior Highlights | |||||||||||||||
Morgan is a lifelong Michigan fan, and was beyond excited to receive his offer. He took an unofficial visit with his dad to the Illinois game, and will be back for an official visit on December 10th. He's taking his time, but I expect him to be in this class. If Michigan grabs Morgan and Frost, that will be a nice linebacker haul for the 2011 class with Kellen Jones already on board. |
Photo | Name | Vitals | Hometown | Stars | Film | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blake Countess |
5'10", 170 lbs. |
Owings Mills, MD |
4 Star | Senior Highlights | |||||||||||||||
Countess has a top four of Georgia Tech, Maryland, NC State and Michigan. It's been rumored that Michigan is in the lead, but Georgia Tech might be right there with them. Countess plans on visiting December 3rd, and will also be playing in the US Army game. | |||||||||||||||||||
Daren Kitchen |
6'1", 170 lbs. |
Houma, LA | 3 Star | N/A | |||||||||||||||
If Michigan missed on Countess, they may finally offer Kitchen. Kitchen has said he's a big fan of Michigan, and would most likely commit if offered. |
Photo | Name | Vitals | Hometown | Stars | Film | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Avery Walls |
5'11", 185 lbs. |
McDonough, GA |
4 Star | Junior Highlights | |||||||||||||||
Walls has already been to Michigan several times, including an official visit for the U Conn game. He has since taken visits to Oregon and Cal. I still think Michigan is in a good position, but I think Oregon has made a good impression on him. Due to an illness in his family he had put recruiting on the back burner. He still plans on taking a few more visits before he announces. | |||||||||||||||||||
Wayne Lyons |
6'0", 190 lbs. |
Ft. Lauderdale, FL | 4 Star | Senior Highlights | |||||||||||||||
Lyons recently announced that Michigan will get one of his official visits. That was huge news for the Wolverines, as they seem to be climbing up his list. Wayne plans on being up at Michigan on December 3rd, and then out to Nebraska on December 10th. He has already taken visits to Notre Dame, Stanford, and UCLA. Michigan is making a move with the talented safety. | |||||||||||||||||||
Karlos Williams |
6'2", 210 lbs. |
Davenport, FL |
5 Star | 2010 Spring Game | |||||||||||||||
I'm including Karlos on this list because he still maintains that he will visit Michigan. The visit will probably take place in January. I've heard that it's not likely he will switch from FSU, but there's at least a small chance. He has been recruiting hard for FSU, so don't get your hopes up, but who knows what could happen with a visit. | |||||||||||||||||||
Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix |
6'2", 190 lbs. |
Orlando, FL |
5 Star | Junior Highlights | |||||||||||||||
I'm including Ha'Sean for the same reason that I'm including Karlos, he still plans on visiting Michigan. I have heard that there's a small chance that he changes his mind from Alabama. Don't get your hopes up here either, but with his teammates selling Michigan and his visit you never know. |
Michigan obviously doesn't have enough room to take everyone, and they're still looking for a few more offensive positions like tight end and offensive line. Most of the decision time tables for these recruits are after the season, or during the Army All American game. That should give Michigan plenty of time for visits, and a little extra push with coaching visits too.
November 23rd, 2010 at 11:33 PM ^
It's new! And new is SCAARRY!!
Seriously, though. People are afraid of change. My Grandpa refuses to admit that Denard is even a half decent player just because he can pass AND run. God forbid a QB be able to run
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:28 PM ^
If you look at top 20 DTs according to rivals, there are two prospects from areas that you listed. If the talent is not there we have to look to where there is talent.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:31 PM ^
Beat me to it, but I agree. The way it looks there just isn't a ton of DT talent left in this class...
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:30 PM ^
It would really suck to have defensive guys from the same area of the conference that has won the National Championship the last four years in a row. Why would we want any of their type players?
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:40 PM ^
superstringer:
Where are the Michigan / Ohio / Illinois kids???Tom -- actually this is sort of depressing. Our key defensive prospects are all in SEC territory (save one or two)??? This is setting ourselves up for disaster year after year, isn't it?
Back in the day -- like, when we HAD a defense -- we'd get a handful of the best from Illinois and Ohio, and grab the best 3-4 defenders in Michigan, and stock up with those guys. What on Earth is going on? RR is so intent on building the SEC North, we're keying on southerners? Wisconsin and Iowa have pretty good D's, and it seems they don't recruit Florida, Carolinas or Louisiana real well.
I'm becoming numb to the notion we're stuck with RR for another year, maybe two; but seriously, shouldn't we have like a handful of the best Michigan prospects in the fold or on the radar? Or did we already lose them to MSU?
Here's a core list of our Michigan commits/serious recruits:
B. Beyer, J. Hayes, S. Conway, D. Hollowell, J. Fisher, D. Morgan.
And here are some Ohio additions:
J. Miller, C. Rock, A. Traylor, G. Brown, D. Grant.
Not all of these guys will be in Blue next year of course. Almost all of them will. It's about half of our 2011 recruiting class. MI and OH. In a year when Michigan might have been a bit thin on top quality linemen and MLB's, and when OSU's massive success under Tressel has them recruiting up a storm, most particularly in Ohio.
The straight answer to your question is that we do "have like a handful of the best Michigan prospects in the fold or on the radar?" And we did not "already lose them to MSU."
November 23rd, 2010 at 7:47 PM ^
Do you even follow recruiting and read rosters?
I ask because you are fucking whining about where we used to get players when we were great, like in Ohio for example.
Do you even realize that Rodriguez in his first three years has brought in twice as many guys from the top players in Ohio lists (per Rivals) as Michigan did in the three years prior to his arrrival?
November 24th, 2010 at 1:33 AM ^
I'd also point towards the coaches' backgrounds as well as the difference in the era. In the era you described, Bo, Gary, Lloyd had midwestern (specifically Ohio and Michigan) backgrounds. That's where they built their inroads and had the relationships/clout/etc. as well as where they focused their efforts.
Rich Rodriguez has worked at Tulsa, Clemson, West Virginia. Why would he turn down great talent from areas in which he has had success? I love to get Michigan players as well, but I have no problem with the coaching staff recruiting A.) the best players and people they can get excited about playing for Michigan and B.) where they have had past successes. Why do you see Nick Saban occasionally pulling guys from Ohio and Michigan when he has access to all the top-notch recruits he needs within 250 miles.
EDIT: Meant to point out Mark Ingram as exhibit A.
Doing something different just for the sake of doing it differently doesn't seem to be a recipe for success either. If Rich Rod and staff feel they can put the best team together recruiting Florida, Louisiana, South Carolina, whatever (those states also happen to produce a ridiculous number of D1 and NFL players), more power to them.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:22 PM ^
Thank you Tom! I have to say after rviewing the list I'm very conerned with our DT recruiting...
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:28 PM ^
There really isn't a whole lot of DT talent left out there according to rivals at least. Maybe we will have to go hard at a DT heavy year...
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:35 PM ^
I thought the same thing. The genius that wants us to only get talent from Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa has to realize that some year certain positions have more talent.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:49 PM ^
He doesn't have to worry. Next year maybe the year he gets his wish.
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:07 PM ^
It's no wonder we've been struggling on defense so much. We simply don't have the size in the trenches. Look at Ohio State's recruiting class this year. They have 3 DTs already signed: 1. Michael Bennett (6-3, 275); 2. Chase Farris (6-6, 270); 3. Joel Hale (6-5; 295). i'm not sure we have an O lineman with that kind of size much less a DT. We need Chris Bryant in the worst way!!
OSU has also signed the #3 DE in the country (according to Scout) - Steve Miller (6-4, 230).
I'm thrilled to get Justice Hayes but until we start bringing in size (in waves) for our trenches and/or our front 7 this program will continue to struggle against the B10's elite...
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:54 PM ^
Kids get bigger when they go to a college weight program. Also, look through the offensive UFRs this year and tell me we haven't been winning in the trenches. That's the only source of (relative) consistency on either side of the ball
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:25 PM ^
damon knox????
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:28 PM ^
I'll take them all.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:37 PM ^
Marqise Lee and Miles Shuler could be added to this list as well as both would be primarily used as DBs and are both still considering M.
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:02 PM ^
Marqise Lee is not coming to Michigan, regardless of what he's said. He's staying west or going to Florida. Shuler (IIRC) was being recruited for SR/RB type deal, so with Justice now in the fold, we're probably not going after him as hard. He might still visit, however, just so we have options. The second part is mainly conjecture, but the first part is firm. I'd be shocked if Lee came here.
November 24th, 2010 at 10:12 AM ^
Thanks, man. I hadn't heard much about them with regards to M and that is probably why!
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:48 PM ^
Positions of need still on the board and a lot of talent.
Going to be interesting how the remaining spots shake out.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:49 PM ^
We need some major help on defense, and at least it looks like there are some good possible recruits left. Here's hoping we get at least a few of these guys.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:49 PM ^
If Kellen Jones is already on bored, I can think of something for him to do.
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:19 PM ^
He's not even at school yet! I'm surprised he's not a little excited.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:52 PM ^
Any info on Darian Cooper or Mickey Johnson not worried about being double teamed and playing in a 3-3-5 defense?
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:55 PM ^
Haven't heard anything like that from Cooper.
Haven't heard anything on Johnson period, because barring some sort of major upset, he won't be coming here.
November 23rd, 2010 at 3:56 PM ^
I sure hope that kid isn't really considering anyone else and more just slowly playing out the process. Check them all out kid and then come back home.
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:05 PM ^
Jernigan: If he's worried about scheme, we're screwed.
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:35 PM ^
Not about the scheme in general, more his presumed role as NT in the scheme
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:16 PM ^
Lamar Dawson an Curtis Grant at LB?? I know they are long shots but we are in Dawson's top group, he has already visited, and Michigan has a good shot at getting one of his official visits. Grant is probably an even longer shot, but he has also expressed interest in visiting Michigan. These guys should recognize the opportunity to play right away, though Grant will probably play right away wherever he goes.
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:23 PM ^
I just answered this in an above comment, but we don't have a good shot with Dawson. He told me he's not really interested. Curtis Grant is probably going to Florida or Ohio State.
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:17 PM ^
He's concerned with our defensive scheme, however, so we'll see what happens.
Aren't we all.
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:35 PM ^
Did Cooper give you that height/weight? Has he lost weight?
November 23rd, 2010 at 4:53 PM ^
i think the takeaway is that The Gerg Problem is screwing with our D recruiting.
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:29 PM ^
I could be wrong.. but I've never heard a recruit talk about GERG in a positive or negative light. He doesn't seem that involved in recruiting, and I don't think recruits are really that worried about it.
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:12 PM ^
I thought it was GERG who visited Avery Walls high school. I remember being surprised because GERG has never been mentioned before in recruiting. I could be wrong though.
November 23rd, 2010 at 6:25 PM ^
You're probably right, but it just seems really rare for GERG to be actively recruiting. I just don't think many recruits really worry about his job safety.
November 23rd, 2010 at 8:34 PM ^
I completely agree.
November 24th, 2010 at 10:09 AM ^
This misses the point that players SHOULD care about the defensive coordinators job safety. The defensive coordinator should not be a nonfactor in the recruiting of defensive players, particularly on a team for which the head coach delegates the defense.
November 24th, 2010 at 10:06 AM ^
Did anybody else notice at last weeks game, that GR came out onto the field at half time 6:35 seconds before anybody else...all alone, just thought that was strange...just wondering.
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:23 PM ^
Tom, what about Byron Moore, the Juco safety??
November 23rd, 2010 at 5:28 PM ^
He's said this a billion times, he's staying west.
November 23rd, 2010 at 7:26 PM ^
Do we have a shot at Petro for LB? And does he have B10 calibre?
November 23rd, 2010 at 7:47 PM ^
We're pretty much leading for Petro, he just doesn't have an offer. He could be B10 caliber as long as he isn't forced to play for a while, he's pretty raw
November 23rd, 2010 at 7:42 PM ^
Personally, I think you've left one under the radar kid off the list. Cheatem Norrils. From Miller's school in Toledo. He's better than Greg Brown. We know the Michigan coaches have invited him up to a game, which he attended, and that they've visited his practices, and not just to catch up with Miller. The kid is a tremendous athlete. More DB depth. I am hoping that somehow Michigan gets a bit more serious there and he ends up as the coming out of nowhere comitt like vinopal was last year. If word on the street is correct, MSU is about to pull the trigger on an offer. This kid would help our secondary. He may only be a Plan B if the above corners dont work out, but I think we'd be missing out on a really good player.
November 24th, 2010 at 10:10 AM ^
Norrils is slow for a defensive back. We need corners and free safety types. I'd rather Michigan toss an offer out to Jermal Hosley (a BGSU commit) than Norrils.
November 24th, 2010 at 10:31 AM ^
Having seen him play live, in person several times, I respectfully disagree. There is more to being a football player than what his 40 time reads on the Rivals site. He's a Big 10 caliber player. I've seen him on the same field with other Big 10 recruits and he outshines them everytime.
He's fast enough. And, he will only get faster. I watched him dominate games breaking up passes, then the next possession dominate in run support. He's a better football player than the Brown kid we've already signed. He improved a lot from his junior and senior years and still has a very high ceiling. MSU is about to offer. I think they know what they're doing and if he's good enough for them, perhaps we're missing the boat
But, I'll take my live accounts over what you're analyzing on paper any day. Trust me, this kid can play. And as a fellow Toledoan, it's going to suck watching him play for another Big 10 team. Those offers are coming.
November 24th, 2010 at 12:01 PM ^
Luckily for me, I've seen video of Mr. Norrils and I'm not analyzing him based on his 4.63 forty time that's listed on Rivals.
By the way, we haven't "signed" Greg Brown. And I'm not a huge fan of Brown's game, either, so saying "He's better than Brown" doesn't mean a whole lot to me.
November 24th, 2010 at 11:16 AM ^
without a B10 offer. that usually means something.
November 24th, 2010 at 11:57 AM ^
So did Patrick Omameh. And Kyle McCarthy. And a lot of Ohio high school players.
This kid can play. And, I'm not lying when I say word on the street is that an MSU offer is coming soon. They have really picked up theri interest.
Toledo is about as talented with prospects as its ever been. And Norrils was the best player in the city all season.
November 24th, 2010 at 7:29 PM ^
"usually" qualifier. it's not terribly unexpected for someone to be skeptical of your claim given the available evidence.
November 23rd, 2010 at 11:37 PM ^
... wouldn't shut the f*ck up even if we took every 4 and 5 star recruit up there, and then stole (snake-oil-style) some recruits from MSU.
Anyway, I can't wait until RR can smooth things out, have a few great recruiting classes, and shut up all these haters.
Comments