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Thursday, December 22, 2011

OHIO VS MICHIGAN

   National signing day is Feb. 3rd  for all college football verbal commits,  Michigan and Ohio both will end up in the top five nationally.  As a few spots for each team are vacant, I have been comparing the players committed for each team.  I am a Michigan fan and follow those recruits, at the same time I love evaluating the players in the state of Ohio and have watched film on a majority of them.  After signing day I will do a break down of all players and units to see who edged out who between the two teams.  At this current time, this is what I have. This is just a quick update of who is edging who at each unit.

QB's - Ohio,   Ohio has cardale jones who I think committed last season and Michigan won't recruit any considering 5star Shane Morris has committed for 2013.

 RB - ohio,  Ohio has Dunn and ball and Michigan has a couple decent kids headed up to Ann Arbor.



  Oh yea, this is for Dave .  You were asking me if Kalis was still solid with Michigan, I think this answers your question.


  WR's - ohio, ohio has three but Frank E. and Lewis are not very impressive. Michigan has two but this may change by signing day.

  TE's -  Michigan,  Devin Funchess is one of the top TE's in the country.  ohio's thomas is probably the best in the state of ohio, he's no slouch.

   OL - Michigan, This isn't close.  Michigans OL class is epic and may add another potential star before signing day.

  DL - Even,  Listen, I know I will hear about this with ohio's nice DL class but you should look at Michigans as well.  Michigan currently has one more DT , both teams are loaded here.

  LB's - Michigan,  Another unit that Michigan has absolutely stockpiled.  This is a special group with 3 of the 4 being all-americans.

  DB's - Michigan,  Michigan has the top cover guy in the midwest in Richardson and ohio's top safety in jarrod wilson. They also have allen gant and sleeper jeremy clark and may add armani reeves soon.  Ohio has a decent class with Bogard, murray and Powell. This may change before signing day.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

DREAM TEAM COMMITS



    When it comes to talent the state of  Michigan  isn't Florida, Texas or California by any means.  These seven Michigan commitments made the the state relevant this season and the three players on the left are all-Americans.  Let's look into these 7 players who were selected to the  "ALL STATE DREAM TEAM" and what they bring to the table for the wolverines next season. I'll do the players in order as shown above.

http://youtu.be/pw_72erkAMU

Terry Richardson, CB - Richardson possesses skills that only a handful of high school CB's can relate to.  At 5'9" 170lbs, he is a true cover corner in the sense.  His back pedal speed is excellent and breaks on the ball very well, watch him run the receiver's route for them in some of these highlights.  He picked off 8 balls this year for the state champs, Cass Tech.  He will fit right into the rotation with Floyd, Countess, Taylor and Hollowell.  Him and Countess could be a dynamic combo in the future.

http://youtu.be/yPduxCmeYkM

 James Ross, MLB - Ross is a two time all-American and it's easy to see why in his film.  Ross is 6'1" 215lbs and doesn't creep up on RB's but hits them at full speed.  He doesn't think but reacts to plays, he can get outside if necessary also. He recorded 179 tkls this season and 45 for loss.  I really don't need to explain much more, watch him play.  He will play behind Kenny Demens this season and probably push him for time, he is the future all conference MLB, no doubt.



 http://youtu.be/OlhNIxndegc

Royce jenkins-stone,LB- RJS will make the transition to OLB in college, he is an all-american LB who is a raw athlete.  6'2" 215lbs, RJS lacks that natural LB mentality but shouldn't have a problem being coached into a nice LB. He needs time and will sit for a while.  Michigan is deep at LB with demens, Ryan and morgan, that's without mentioning gordon, and newcomer bolden.
  


 
  http://youtu.be/_2CtODtf6SE

Matt Godin,DT/DE- Godin is a big, strong, physical kid.  At 6'5" 265lbs this DT/DE  sheds tackles with great hands and plays low for a tall kid.  Matt Godin is an underrated player who I think can gain weight and play the 3-tech or SDE as well.  Michigan isn't super deep at DL next season but do have size on the interior. It will be interesting to see if they red shirt him or not. 




  http://youtu.be/PL5F4q1qgyQ

Mario Ojemudia,DE - This kid is 6'3" 223 lbs and plays SDE like he is 280lbs.  He is an absolute sack machine with 14 on the season and watch him get through blockers as if they were tied to a tree.  This is a versatile kid, he can play SLB, SDE, WDE and is fast and athletic enough to play WLB which is my prediction.  He is good enough to play this season.



http://youtu.be/P15gEI5EGz8

Drake Johnson, RB - Johnson is a track star that shows good speed and he runs hard.  He is a decent
Rb who picks a crease and goes but his change of direction and agility is questionable.  I'm a little surprised he was offered.  He will likely red shirt and probably won't be a big time player in the near future but he could be productive and surprise some people.




 
http://youtu.be/iZSIIPiIZuY

Ben Braden, OL-  Braden is roughly 6'7"-6'8" 320 lbs.  Braden needs work but is absolutely massive and built like a truck, he isn't a slob and he moves pretty well.  He needs footwork and he will never play LT but provides depth on the line.  He seems awful tall to play OG so a 2nd team RT could be his future position and with some work could become a quality player.  He will probably sit behind Kalis and I would almost guarantee a red shirt this coming season.




 

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

OHIO'S MEYER BEEFING UP THE DL AND RECRUITING CLASS.

    Urban Meyer is the first coach to benefit from Penn State's problems, recieving a verbal commit from 5 star DL Tommy Schutt.  Penn State's 2012 class is falling apart and players are flocking elesewhere for visits.  Tommy Schutt was the first player to actually commit to a different team yesterday when he announced he would be joining Ohio's 2012 class.  I did a blog on saturday about Ohio's big weekend visits and who I thought could possibly commit, Schutt was one.  He's a stud, I will show you evidence in a minute.

    Ohio also recieved a commit from 4 star DE Se'von Pittman from Canton.  Pittman was verbaled to MSU but has been on the fence as of  late because of his girlfriend will play b-ball for Ohio.  I'm sure that's not the only reason but Ohio fans should thank that young lady for swaying him a bit.  Pittman is a huge DE, big enough to play SDE or WDE.  He is 6'5" and last that I seen, he was pushing 270 lbs.  Pittmans commit pushes Ohio into the top ten in the country, according to some sites.  I personally thought Ohio only had 4 or 5 slots left but a source I heard said 6 or 7.  That gives them 18 commitments with a chance to sign 22 -23.


    Since Urban has started his recruiting tour, he has had three players verbally commit.  I will go on and say that the addition of Pittman and Schutt should excite the hell out of Ohio fans.  Look at the possible future DL, barring any problems, injury, grades, a possible bust. 

Ohio's DL depth next season

DE's                                                         DT's                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
John Simon  SR                                        John Hankins JR            
Nathan Williams SR                                  Darryl Baldwin SO
Kenny Hayes SO                                      Goebel SR
Melvin Fellows SO                                    Michael Bennett SO
Adolphus Washington FR                         Adam Bellamy JR
Se'von Pittman FR                                   Tommy Schutt FR

FR. Washington and Schutt are both Army All-Americans.

Here are clips of all three of Urbans Commitments

Tommy Schutt 5 star DT, 6,3" 290 LBS 
http://youtu.be/ahEfQfUdSBs
 Yea, he's real good.  He moves well for a huge kid, great effort. 

Se'Von Pittman 4 star DE, 6'5" 270lbs

http://youtu.be/bbOraeJWwEE

Watch that third play for example. Pittman is a stud athletically.  If Ohio gets lucky enough to have Pittman on one side and Washington on the other in a couple years, it would actually remind you of those Florida DE's from his 06 team.

Ricquan Southward 2 star WR, 6'1" 190

http://youtu.be/9RpCT1DgiUg

My take on Southward is that he is a big athlete who has potential.  Most importantly is that Southward is from Lakeland, Florida.  For those who don't know, Lakeland High school was Meyer's stomping ground when at Florida. This is a way for him to get his foot back in the door and say " i'm back, come see me". At one time, Lakeland produced 10 Florida commits in one season.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

NOTRE DAME RECRUITING!



  Notre Dame has fifteen current commits with the latest being a 4 star and top ten ranked WR from California by the the name of Deontay Greenberry ( pictured above ).  I would like to go down the list and evaluate a few of  the  top players from their 2012 class.  I will not evaluate 5 star recruit Jarron Jones because I  already have in a previous blog.  Notre Dame has a nice class, anytime you  recieve commitments from two 5 star CB's who are ranked #1 and #3 in the country,  you are hard at work. 

Ronald Darby, 5'11" 175lbs, 5 star CB http://youtu.be/IkWYlm85rm0

this is some of the strangest film I have seen in a while. My only knock on Darby is his competition, that league looks awful, the field goal posts look like they are made of rubber.  Here is the lowdown on Darby.  He is ranked a 5star because of what he does at combines against elite talent not these scrubs.  He is a track star with sub 4.4 speed  and agility to match.  His main attribute could be his return skills, he is dynamic to say the least.  There is not enough film of his cover skills to make an accurate evaluation in that area.  He's a scoring machine.


Tee Sheppard, 6'0" 175lbs, 5 star CB   http://youtu.be/lIjqxwP0poE

The first thing that sticks out to me is his cover skills.  Natural cover corners with his awareness and patience are rare at the high school level.  Let me explain,  Watch his zone coverage, he doesn't try to do too much.  He will watch the play, read the QB and leave his reciever for a safety while he makes the play underneath.  He is also physical and strong which makes him hard for WR's to deal with him in press coverage.  He hits hard but needs  to learn how to wrap up which will come with top coaching.  Sheppard and Darby are similar when it comes to INT's, if they pick you off, they will try to take it to the house everytime.  A couple more skills that he posesses, he does a great job of staying with his man and not giving up seperation.  He also has the speed to close on recievers who have a step or two on him.
 

Deontay Greenberry, 6'3" 180 lbs, 4 star WR   http://youtu.be/RjptOb1GP7g


Bad film again but enough evidence to realize his talents.  Long and lean, nice hands, and yards after contact stick out immediately.  His move off the line against press coverage is above average and his height and jumping ability make him a red zone weapon.  I think he runs decent routes and can score from wideout, slot and  from the backfield as well.  His playmaking off the bubble screens is a plus, reminds me of AJ Green a bit.



William Mahone, 6'0" 205lbs, 4 star RB  http://youtu.be/YV7ep6zTX1A

I love Mahone, I have watched his film a dozen times.  My evaluation is that he is the second best RB in Ohio behind Warren Ball and in front of 5 star Brionte Dunn.  His vision is fantastic,  he always takes the right running lane and his first step and quickness are worthy of a ND offer.  He runs well but doesn't have great speed in the open field,  he is tough with his yards after contact.  He does a great job of staying low and quick through his holes.  Mahone is an under the radar gem.


Sheldon Day, 6'2" 280lbs, 4 star DT   http://youtu.be/N4h5tQ-wRjY


That's a highlight reel folks, short and sweet.  Day is absolutely explosive off the line and the quickest DT I have seen on film.  Those first four or five plays speak for themselves.  He looks to be shot out of a cannon,  working the center and guards over and over and over again, it becomes a pattern.  When the OL does have a chance to defend him,  he then uses his excellent technique to quickly spoil those plans.  Seriously, his technique and  skills are at a college level already.  He penetrates the OL with great urgency , with a little weight gain,  Day is a very productive college player.

Friday, December 9, 2011

HUGE WEEKEND FOR MICHIGAN AND OHIO!




  First things first.  Michigan 2012 commit James Ross was selected as an Army All-American yesterday.  Ross,  the second rank LB in the country according to scout.com is one of seven players headed to Ann Arbor that has been selected as an All-American.  That is impessive considering they have 23 commitments.  Almost 1/3 of the commits are All-Americans.  There is still time for more to be selected. 

Michigans Army All-Americans                 Michigans Under Armour All-Americans
1.OL Kyle Kalis                                        1. LB Joe Bolden
2.OL Erik Magnuson                                 2. DB Terry Richardson
3.LB Royce Jenkins-Stone
4.LB James Ross
5.DT Ondre Pipkins


 Michigan has a group of visitors this weekend.  All the current commits are on officials as others come for the first time.  With DB Anthony Standifer de-commiting, it opens up another scholarship.  It seems that the top targets currently are DB Yuri Wright, DB Armani Reeves who I personally think will end up a Wolverine.  He had Michigan no.2 behind Penn State when he committed.  I believe TE JP Holtz will be visiting also, another PSU Commit. WR Jehu Chesson is another top target who may commit this weekend.


 This is Ohio coach Urban Meyer's first weekend to make his presence felt.  He has a great group of prospects visiting that include a couple PSU commits with Noah Spence and Tommy Schutt.  Spence and Schutt are both huge targets considering Ohio only has maybe four or five spots left in this class and both, I'm sure, don't want to play for PSU.   A few more players of importance are 5 star OL Jordan Diamond,  4 star DE and  MSU commit SE'von Pittman,  and a surprising 5 star QB from Alabama named Jameis winston who has verbaled to FSU.  Why would Meyer recruit a QB with Miller being the QB of the future?  Another story is the recruitment of 5 star RB  Brionte Dunn out of Canton Glen Oak. His story is that he is committed to ohio but has visited Michigan twice with cousin and fellow Michigan commit Dymonte Thomas. Urban needs to convince him he will be relevant in his spread offense.  Here are some highlights of these kids in action.


 Jordan Diamond OL 

   He is huge and athletic.  He does a great job of extending his arms on his initial punch and he has good feet.  He gets out on his pulls well and stays in front of his RB but needs to improve his pad level and playing til the whistle blows.  His size and strength speak for themselves as he flattens LB's at the second level.

http://youtu.be/oUrgoQH_PZM


 Tommy Schutt DT

 Wow, that is only the second time I have watched his film.  Watch the play he makes  at 1:26.  Schutt is a PSU commit but is obviously looking around.  That first play he lines up as a WDE and runs down the QB on the opposite of the field, Schutt is 6'3" 290LBS, he gets there pretty quickly for a big fella.  He lines up on the weakside, strongside and inside, he can run and absolutely blows up the plays.  He is disciplined  also, watch him get off blocks and not over pursue the plays.  I hope he doesn't commit this weekend.

http://youtu.be/ahEfQfUdSBs


 Noah Spence DE

Spence is a 5 star DE who is committed to PSU.  He is 6'3" 235 lbs and has an offer sheet that allows him to go anywhere in the country.  He is 2 yds into the backfield before these tackles are coming out of their stance.  It seems as if he causes TO's as well.
http://youtu.be/Uc_kFOFhRmQ


Jameis Winston QB

 Winston is committed to FSU but is being recruited by Meyer.  He is the no.1 ranked duall threat QB in this years class and is 6'4" roughly 200 lbs.  Totally reminds me of Pryor but doesn't have the problems with his mechanics and accuracy.  Sources ay he was the best passer at the elite 11 and his leadership skills were second to none.  He throws the ball 60 yds in the air and his feet are not even set at 1:30.
http://youtu.be/Uc_kFOFhRmQ


  

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

RECRUITING UPDATES!

  
    

            This is the massive 6'5" 305 LB Kyle Kalis receiving his ARMY ALL-AMERICAN award.  Kalis,  who is a 5 star prospect and one of the top five OL in the country plays RT for Lakewood ST. Edwards in Northern Ohio.  This is the fourth Michigan commitment out of the 2012 class to be named an ARMY ALL-AMERICAN.  Anybody who follows Michigan recruiting is excited about the Kalis commitment because of his size,  strength,  and intensity.  Watch Kyle do work on opponents playing in arguably the toughest conference in Ohio high school football. Hit this link http://youtu.be/rOly-urn72I




  Yuri Wright is a four star DB on the second ranked team in the country, Don Bosco Prep.  Wright is down to two teams in his recruitment with Michigan and the surprising Colorado.  Wright is 6'2" and roughly 200 LBS, he may be a better fit at SS.


    If I had to bet on Michigans next commitment, it would be on 4 star WR Jehu Chesson.  Chesson is 6'3" 185 lbs and is as quick as a 5'6" RB.  He has excellent hands and runs tight routes that make him a mismatch for most DB's.  Athletically, he is as good as I have seen on film with his jumping ability and agility, he also is slick and picks up a considerable amount of yards after contact.  Personally, I think he is a better talent than Michigans other WR commit Amara Darboh and has a better chance of making an impact immediately. Here is his link  http://youtu.be/zSTTZUn5ZDE.

 Keep an eye on OL Josh Garnett and Jordan Diamond, WR Stefon Diggs, RB Brionte Dunn, and a TE who may be a surprise.
  


 

Sunday, December 4, 2011

DARBOH IS #24!

  When Brady Hoke took over at Michigan, he made a few things clear.  One,  the ohio game is the biggest game on the schedule, number two was they needed to get back to Michigan Football.  Michigan football would be described as big, tough and physical.  Today they added to a very big, tough and physical 2012 recruiting class with a verbal commitment from Des Moine, Iowa WR Amara Darboh.  Darboh becomes the 24th commitment to Michigans class leaving roughly 4 more open spots. 

  Darboh is an interesting story.  I was reading both his parents were killed when he was two yrs old in an act of violence.  He has been in foster homes most of his life and has only been playing football for three years. A kid like that who has been through such turmoil at a young age would  probably have things in perspective and be well grounded.  Even know Darboh has only been playing football for three years,  that hasn't kept him from being a top national talent.  He is 6'2" 200 LBS and runs anywhere from a 4.42 to a 4.4 flat  40 YD dash.  His offer sheet is as impressive as they come with a long list of schools wanting his services including....FLA, MSU, ND, Nebraska and  Wisconsin just to name a few.

  Darboh raved about his visits to Michigan games at the end of the season and his connection with other current 2012 commits including another top Michigan WR prospect, Jehu Chesson.  Darboh has been ranked  a  four star prospect by scout, rivals and 247 sports.  He is anywhere from the 33rd ranked WR in the country to as high as #19. When I evaluated Darboh's highlights, I am not blown away but impressed.  He has great speed, he is big and can go through press coverage.  He can also cut his routes short when receiving soft coverage and his out routes are nice and tight.  He can play in the slot or wide, he has hands, goes across the middle and is a red zone threat as well. Yes , he is a bit raw as far as his slants and getting in and out of his breaks , most high school kids are and those are quick fixes with quality coaches. It is a nice pickup for Michigan , here is a link to his film.
http://youtu.be/B5ZrtSB8lpU


Also, Michigan to the Sugar Bowl.  I'd much rather see them play Boise but Michigan in a BCS bowl is exciting and something too look forward to.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

WHO WINS THE OHIO RECRUITING WAR THIS YEAR?

 
  With 2012 being one of the greatest recruiting years this state has ever seen, Ohio gets the most players but Michigan gets the most quality.  Brady Hoke has done a fantastic job recruiting ohio for the Wolverines but ohio has spread it's talent generously.  According to Scouting Ohio's site, which is a credible site but a little bit of a homer, these are their rankings for the state's top players and where they have committed.

 Ohio
1.Josh Perry OLB, Olentangy
2.Devin Bogard, DB, Glenville
6.Warren Ball,RB,Desales
9.Brionte Dunn,RB,Canton Glen Oak
11.Adolphus Washington,DE,Cincinatti Taft
16.Najee Murray,DB,Steubenville
19.Frank Epitropolous,WR/S, Upper Arlington
20.Blake Thomas,TE,St.Ignatius
25.Luke Roberts,LB,Lancaster
27.Tyvis Powell,DB
32.One of the Boren brothers,C,Pick Central
35.Roger Lewis,WR,Pick Central

Michigan
10.Chris Wormley,DE,Toledo Whitmer
12.Kyle Kalis,OL,ST.Eds
13.Tom Strobel,DE,Mentor
14.Kaleb Ringer,LB,Northmont
17.Joe Bolden,LB,Colerain
23.Pharoah Brown,DE/TE,Lyndhurst Brush
28.Jarrod Wilson,DB,Akron Buchtel
38.Allen Gant,DB,Sylvania Southview
43.Caleb Stacey,OL,Oak Hills
45.AJ Williams,TE/OL,Withrow

Michigan State has 6 players

Now I have evaluated all the same kids and here is my view,

1.Adolphus Washington, He is an all american but the 11th ranked player in the state? He is as good as it gets in the state and he is a top 5 DE in the country.  He does play against inferior opponents considering he is D111 but his talent is top notch.
2.Kyle Kalis, Kalis was a top five player in the state until he de-committed from ohio and went to Michigan, now he is 12th? He is a top ten lineman in the country and a five star recruit. He plays against the best competition in the state.
3.Joe Bolden, there is no better LB in the state than bolden.  He may not be the most athletic which is why Perry is probably ranked higher and perry is also a ohio commit. Bolden can play MLB or OLB. Bolden plays against quality competition as well.
4.Warren Ball, he is the most complete back in the state. He is fast, quick,strong,agile and can catch the ball. Ball plays tough against tough teams.
5.Chris Wormley,Wormley shows signs of being the most intimidating and dominating SDE in the state.  He has the potential to be the best of any player on this list at the next level. Plays tough competition.
6.Brionte Dunn, as most know, Dunn is a ohio commit but swaying towards Michigan a bit. He is a big powerful back and a five star recruit.  Dunn plays in Canton, it's a quality conference.
7.Josh Perry,Olentangy, Perry is a very athletic OLB who also can play RB.  He is a big kid with great potential. He plays against inferior competition at Olentangy.
8.Tom Strobel, Mentor, Strobel is big and strong at 6'6" 255. He is intense, strong, and plays tough every play of  every game. Mentor plays tough competition.
9. Devin Bogard, Glenville, He is arguably the best DB in the state. At one time Akrons Jarrod Wilson was the no.1 ranked safety in the state but he committed to Michigan, he then dropped.  Now Bogard is the man. He is good though and athletic as hell.  Glenville is an open enrollment school, so all the talent in Cleveland plays there.  They play tough competition out of conference.
10.there are many players you can put in this spot.  I will not place anyone here but the rest of the talent is up for argument as well. MSU has some quality players with Benny McGowan who I think is the best OG in the state and SE'von Pittman who's potential is through the roof.
http://youtu.be/swO9Ir79Dvo

 If you think I am full of feces on my evaluations and that site being a little off,  just look at these. Above is a link to the highlights of the 17th ranked player in the state, Joe Bolden, a Michigan commit. Below is a link to perry's highlights who is the no.1 ranked player in ohio( according to scouting ohio) You tell me who is the better LB.

http://youtu.be/O0a9n7g_gtM





The reason I say Michigan gets more quality players out of this class is because ohio has some kids I am not impressed with whatsoever.
1.Boren is a good player but not big enough to play C in college , he may be the next FB in his brothers shadow. They always offer a player who's brother plays there as well.
2.Frank Epitropolous, if any kid from Arlington is a good player , ohio always offers him.  He is fast but not real physical and he is not real smooth with his turn n go's at safety.
3.Luke Roberts, he is a LB from Lancaster and Fickells commit. It was almost like a knee jerk reaction offer when ohio was falling behind in recruitng.
4.Roger Lewis, WR, He is another Pick Central kid who is an OK player but not real impressive.  I will be surprised if any of these kids make an impact in college.

The 43rd ranked player in ohio just happens to be an all state OG named caleb stacey. He is going to Michigan. That's what I'm talking about with quality over quantity.




Pharaoh Brown who committed to Michigan may have possibly been dropped from Michigans class.

Ohio has one all-american with A.Washington and Michigan has three with LB Royce Jenkins Stone from Detroit, Erik Magnuson OL from California and DT Ondre Pipkins from Missouri.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

FUTURE WOLVERINES

For those who don't follow recruiting, there is serious talent in the state of Michigan. Here are some players headed to Ann Arbor next season who made the all-state dream team.


Ben Braden is massive at 6'7" 320 LBS. His team averaged over 220 yds rushing a game. Braden was the first Michigan commit, he verbaled back in February. He is totally raw and needs coaching but his size cannot be overlooked. HE Will probably stay at tackle in college because of his height.