Bowman's Football Planet: RANDOM THOUGHTS

Bowman's Football Planet: RANDOM THOUGHTS: I was going over my short list of predictions and thoughts before the 2011 season started. I thought Barkley was the second best QB in ...

RANDOM THOUGHTS

I was going over my short list of predictions and thoughts before the 2011 season started.

I thought Barkley was the second best QB in the country behind Luck.

I thought Trent Richardson was the best RB in the country.

I picked Bama to win the NC

I thought Kellen Moore was a good college QB but said he would never make it in the NFL.

I thought Justin Blackmon was the best WR in the country.

I picked ohio to go 7-5

I picked ND to go 10-2

I picked Michigan 9-3

Not bad I would say

That brings me to the 2012 season. Just a few things I want to throw out there.

I still think Bama and LSU are the two best teams. USC is up there also but don't think they could handle the other two teams on a neutral site with "winner takes all" on the line.

How does any team in the pac 12 stop USC's offense? Arguably the best QB in the country along with arguably the two best WR's in the country. If a team isn't equipped with two top CB's and a free safety who can make quick decisions, they are at a huge dissadvantage and will pay the price.

LSU has the best DL to go along with the best secondary, that's an offensive coordinators and QB's worst nightmare. Your QB either faces the challenge of not having time to throw, if he does have time, is anyone open?

Bama has the best OL by far, an adequate QB, good RB's and a stellar D that has a few gaps. Their LB's are second to none and the secondary and DL's are still at a top level.

Ohio is making some changes with the offense under new coach Urban Meyer. His resume speaks for itself, offensively there are huge questions. They are scary thin at OL, so thin that true freshman Taylor Decker is fighting for a starting spot. 99% of true freshman OL usually redshirt because of the learning curve of college ball, that's a problem. They are also thin at RB, nobody is a 1,000 yd back on the roster. None of the WR's or TE's caught more than 14 balls last year and Braxton Miller is talented but still unproven as well. Defensively, Simon and Hankins are all conference players and the DL and secondary have plenty of experience. Other than Shazier, the LB's are a bit thin as well with not much depth.


From what I hear, Notre Dame is looking for freshman Gholson to start this season. Yes, like Braxton Miller he is talented but unproven. They lost All-American Michael Floyd but do return All-American TE Eifert. If your starting a freshman QB you better be able to run the ball and have a TE who can get open. Notre Dame has a good OL, good RB and a great TE, this is Gholson's weapons and they will run a ton this year if he's starting. Defensively, losing Lynch is a big deal no matter how you justify it. I think Lynch was up there with MSU's Gholston and Jadeveon Clowney as being one of the top up and coming pass rushers in the country. Louis Nix is a space eater, and they have arguably the best MLB in the country. The secondary took a little hit and their schedule is the most brutal in the country.


Michigan also has a tough schedule this season opening with Bama in Dallas and traveling to South Bend at night in the first four games. Michigan returns a senior QB who is as dynamic as they come in college football. With the suspension of star RB Fitz Touissant, things could change up in the backfield with the possible emergence of SO. RB, Thomas Rawls. Michigan's OL is good but not deep, led by All-American LT Taylor Lewan. The WR's have experience with Roundtree and Gallon but then there is a dropoff. That's not good considering neither Roundtree or Gallon are NFL talents but can get open. Defensively, the DL has holes and if Will Campbell can't fill the NG position, it could be a long year for them. Michigan does have an All-American DT in Ondre Pipkins coming in this year. Pipkins is 6'3" 325 lbs and may have to make an immediate impact. Michigan has quality LB's and it's probably the deepest unit on the team. Look for Demens to top 100 tackles this year and FR. Joe Bolden is waiting in his wings to add depth in the middle. Michigan has an experienced secondary coming back from a top ten scoring defense in all the land last season

I think Oregon's Deanthony Thomas is the most electrifying player in college football bar none. He is untouchable in the open field and his quickness and speed are something to witness, it's special and very rare to see that type of atleticism and ability from anyone on the planet. I found myself shaking my head and dropping F - bombs to myself in a empty house watching him work defenses last year.

Bowman's Football Planet: MICHIGAN, ND, OHIO 2013 RECRUITING

Bowman's Football Planet: MICHIGAN, ND, OHIO 2013 RECRUITING: Considering I am from Ohio, the midwest if you will, there are three teams around these parts that are favored more than any others. Michig...

MICHIGAN, ND, OHIO 2013 RECRUITING

Considering I am from Ohio, the midwest if you will, there are three teams around these parts that are favored more than any others. Michigan, Ohio, and Notre Dame. Quite a few of us follow recruiting, it's fun to bust each others chops when one of our favorite teams receive a commitment from a blue chip player. I mean, football in the offseason is boring if you don't follow recruiting, this way it keeps the BS going between us to say the least. I follow SCOUT.COM quite a bit and according to their rankings, all three teams have top five recruiting classes for 2013. So I will evaluate every unit on all three teams and give my opinon and explanation on who looks the best. I will start with the third ranked unit and go up to the NO.1.

QB's




3. OHIO - JT Barrett, 6'2" 205 lbs

Barrett is the least talked about QB of the three and the most athletic in my opinion. He has a high completion percentage and runs the read option very well, watch how many times he burns the DE on his fakes. He also escapes trouble with ease and his athleticism gives him the ability to extend plays. His pocket presence isn't spectacular and his footwork needs work also. His high completion percentage is from throwing alot of short passes. His mechanics and arm are not on par with Zaire and Morris but He's perfect for Meyer's offense.




2. Notre Dame - Malik Zaire, 6'1" 190 lbs

Zaire is the best QB in ohio and a very confident one also. He committed to a school that is deep at his position, that includes 2012 commit Gunner Kiel. Zaire doesn't question his ability, either do I. A host of schools wanted this young man including his home state ohio. Zaire has all the skills to be a productive D1 QB, arm strength, pocket presence, poise, and accuracy. He's very relaxed and smooth in the pocket, also uses checkdowns well, he's a mature QB for 17 yrs old.




1. Michigan - Shane Morris, 6'3" 200 lbs

There are a handfull of 5 star QB's for 2013 and Morris is one of them. To be honest with you, he isn't any more accurate than Zaire but he has arguably the strongest arm in the country. Morris is also a "road dog", that means he competes at every camp he can, elite 11's, he wants to compete against the best as much as he can. He was one of the top 3 QB's at the opening over the weekend that compares the best QB's in the country for 2013. What's great about Morris is that he committed early and has helped recruit other top players to Michigan. Another quality of Morris is that he's not full of ego, he realizes he has a ton of work to do to be a productive D1 QB. He sometimes stares down WR's and has a history of being inconsistent at camps. Morris is the top QB of the three at this point but it's still high school football folks.


RB's

3. Notre Dame - No RB commits for 2013 yet.




2. Michigan - Deveon Smith,- 5'11" 205 lbs

Deveon Smith reminds me of another Smith, Emmitt Smith. He gets through holes quick, runs low and has a vicious stiff arm. Smith is ranked as the NO.7 RB in the nation by Scout and his physical running style and tackle breaking ability is the reason why. He is as strong a RB I have seen on film along with Derrick Green from Virginia. Smith's downfall is his breakaway speed, he doesn't run away from people but does a great job of picking up blitzes and is guilty of being a good blocking back. His speed is questionable but when nobody can tackle him, it doesn't really matter. Michigan is heavily recruiting Derrick Green currently as well.





1. Ohio - Ezekiel Elliott, 6'0" 200 lbs

Elliott has good size but is not much of a north-south runner. He is an agile, quick, and elusive RB with 4.42 speed and a nightmare in space. Elliott doesn't even deal with running behind his OL in most these highlights, instead he just gets the ball and streaks through traffic downfield. A trackstar in the offseason, Elliott catches the ball well out of the backfield as well. Elliott's downfall is his toughness, he looks to get the corner rather than follow blocks.





Ohio - Ohio Jalin Marshall, 6'1" 190 lbs

Marshall is similar to Elliott in his running ability. He is not as fast as elliott but his quickness and agility is on par. It's hard to see the damage he can do in one on one situations because he is playing QB, he is the most explosive player in ohio. He was recruited as a RB but he's more of a slot guy in my opinion. If Marshall is in a one on one situation with a DB, My money is on Marshall, he's that good. You will never see Elliott or Marshall carrying the ball twenty times a game, that's not their specialty. Marshall has actually been demoted as he has lost his fifth star ranking just recently.


WR'S AND TE'S



3. Ohio - TE Marcus Baugh, 6'4" 225 lbs

Baugh, from California, is a top ten TE in the country. He has great hands and is a matchup problem for every position in the back seven, he needs to be double teamed. Baugh was a standout at the "opening" over the weekend, a combine / 7 on 7 that invites only the best players in the country.

2. Notre Dame - WR Corey Robinson, 6'4" 210 lbs

Finding a Corey Robinson highlight is a challenge, couldn't come up with one. I have seen him on film and since that time he has earned respect from national recruiting services. I thought he was a bit underrated when I watched him, he's very tall but very quick off the line and runs like a deer. He got an invite to go to the "opening" and did well there. He has excellent hands, he kills corners one on one because he uses his body well. Robinson has the potential to be better than any other WR on this list.



WR James Onwualu , 6'1" 200 lbs

I've watched this kid on film before and I'm not blown away, but that doesn't mean anything. He looks to be the best athlete on the field over and over again but I don't see great competition here. He's fast, agile and versatile, he can play different positions. He is a four star recruit by scout, he's not chopped liver by any means, he has potential, size and speed.




TE Mike Heurman , 6'4" 215 lbs

Heurman is potentially as good as any TE in the country. He has the hands, toughness, route running and excellent balance. He is an athlete and an excellent blocker. Another great TE in line at ND.




1. Michigan - WR C'sonte York 6'3" 180 lbs

York reminds me of the older genration WR's from Michigan like Braylon and Terrell. He isn't a burner but still gets separation, plus smaller CB's are a mismatch. He has the hands and just simply outjumps opponents. York will not see Michigan's field for a few years, he needs weight and coaching but is an excellent big target.




WR Jaron Dukes , 6'5" 200 lbs

Dukes is another huge target at 6'5". Recently Dukes has been getting respect and earned a 4th star by Sout.com. Dukes, like York, isn't a burner but a CB's nightmare with his size, hands and jumping ability. Another red zone target who can adjust his body while in mid air. Dukes torched Trotwood Madison for 6 catches for roughly 170 yds and a couple TD's.



TE Jake Butt, 6'6" 215 lbs

Not much TE action here with Butt in these highlights but you get the idea. Kids a complete athlete and already around 6'5" with another year of HS left. Don't question Butt's TE skills, he received all-tournament team selection at the opening over the weekend. He's the best TE in ohio and one of the best in the country.



TE Khalid Hill, 6'3" 235 lbs

Hill committed to Michigan and just shut his mouth. He isn't real interested in recruiting trips or earning a bunch of stars. Hill actually did real well at the 7on7's down in Florida though. Hill is known for tight routes and nice hands, watch that second play of his, gets through traffic and makes a nice catch, with his hands I might add.

OFFENSIVE LINE



3. Ohio - Evan Lisle, 6'6" 265 lbs

This is ohio's only OL commit for the 2013 class but he's a good one. I love this kid, he was a standout as a sophomore. He is an excellent run blocker, he plays with great leverage for a kid who looks lean at 265 lbs. I personally think Lisle is a tackle with his height and athletic ability. He would need a considerable amount of weight to deal with DT's, yes he has time to put on weight but with the depth issues at OL for ohio, this kid may have to play sooner than later.



1. Notre Dame - John Montelus, 6'5" 290 lbs

This kid is a complete OL, could play OG or OT. He's an excellent run blocker and in pass protection both. He is textbook on getting his arms extended in pass protection and keeping his guy at arms length. He's the opposite of lazy and his awareness is spectacular, sometimes working a DT and picking up a LB blitz simultaneously.




Mike Mcglinchey, 6'8" 275 lbs

Mcglinchey is massive and doesn't have a problem moving people around. He has prototypical LT size but I see him on the right side simply because I don't think he moves well enough to play LT. Just a bit too tall to play guard but he is a nice pickup and another four star recruit.



Hunter Bivin, 6'7" 290 lbs

Another massive recruit here in Bivin. Bivin needs some polishing but he's versatile also, playing center in some of these highlights is impressive. They like em tall in South Bend and Bivin at 6'7" could possibly play OG, coaching can make a 6'7" seem 6'5" if necessary.



Colin McGovern, 6'7" 280 lbs

Mcgovern may have the best footwork of the last four lineman I've looked at. Notre Dame is loaded with OT recruits and McGovern is another. Plays with a chip on his shoulder and likes contact, he's very physical, driving opponents into the secondary at times. Mcgovern, Bivin, and McGlinchey look like they were all cut out of the same mold.



Steven Elmer, 6'6" 305 lbs

In my opinion, Elmer and Montelus are the most polished of the OL recruits. There is something about Elmers 25 extra lbs on the other OL that makes him look much bigger and stronger.. He gets out and pulls and can also get to the next level like an experienced lineman. Elmer has also impressed at camps where he is facing elite national talent as well.




1. Michigan - Kyle Bosch, 6'5" 310 lbs

Bosch has gained ten lbs since football ended last season. He is an absolute bull in run blocking duties and can pass protect as well. Bosch is ranked as the top two or three OL in the country by scout. THere are times on film that Bosch will Knock someone on their butts and then look for somebody else to hit.





Patrick Kugler, 6'4" 280 lbs

Kugler isn't polished but is a very highly ranked OL that will probably play center in college. Kugler is pretty nasty and plays at pad level, due to his experience at DT, he knows how to play them as well.




Chris Fox, 6'6" 290 lbs

I'm not so sure Fox doesn't end up on the defensive side of the ball when it's all said and done. He is totally disruptive in the middle of the defense and is very instinctive, getting his hands up and batting balls down definitely stands out. None the less, he was recruited as an OL, and that's where he is slotted at currently. He is an all-american at OL and is massive and uses his leverage well. He pushes piles over and over again in these highlights. Fox is listed at OT, but his bruising play screams OG or DT in my opinion.



David Dawson, 6'4" 305 lbs

Dawson played his SO. year in Houston before playing with Cass Tech last season. He was a unknown 3 star recruit when he committed to Michigan but Hoke and CO. new what they had when they recruited him, he was special. Since then, Dawson has hit the national camp circuit and played well, earning a 4th star and praise from programs all over the country. He is now receiving offers from schools everywhere, it's too late, he is committed to Michigan now. Dawson stops opponents dead in their tracks with his huge athletic body. Dawson can also play OT or OG, adding depth to the OL with kids like him is the new Michigan way.



Logan Tulley-Tillman, 6'7" 280 lbs

Tillman is more impressive in pads during game situations than he is at camps with shorts and t-shirts. Tillman is a bit of a project, he sometimes struggles against speed on the edge against elite talent during camps. He's a bit sloppy but is 6'7" 280 lbs and probably has the most potential for LT or RT than the other recruits. He shows good footwork and his inital punch is nice, just needs work. Remember these kids are only going to be seniors in high sghool, plenty of time to mature.


Yes,I have ND and Michigan as a tie as far as OL. I would give Michigan a slight edge simply because they have (according to scout.com)
NO.1 OG, 5. OG, 7. OG, NO.4 OT and No. 16 OT. One five star and four -4 stars.

ND - NO.2 OG, 9. OT, 10. OT, 15. OT and 22. OT. All are four star recruits. My justification is that Michigan had every one of ND's commitments on their radar and would have excepted commitments from any of them if they would have committed first.
Here is my reasoning here, both these classes are stellar and I'm pretty sure are NO.1 and 2 nationally. Rankings are great but both programs picked up five blue chip OL, there is something to be said about that. I can't predict who the better class will be.


DEFENSIVE LINE



3. Notre Dame - Jacob Matuska, 6'5" 240 lbs

Matuska is a Columbus, Ohio native from Hartley high school and is an excellent athlete. Matuska is a good TE but is going to a school that is already loaded at that position, not that he can't eventually end up a stud TE but they recruited an atlete. Matuska can run like a WR but I have not seen enough of him at DE to evaluate him. His athletic ability is undeniable, I'm sure Kelly has plans for him.



Isaac Rochelle, 6'4" 250 lbs

Rochelle is another good athlete with excellent strength but is a project. He has the footwork and ability to play DE but plays very upright and stiff. Matuska and Rochelle are two athletes that will need to be groomed for the position.



2. MICHIGAN - Taco Charlton, 6'6" 250 lbs

The jury is still out on Charlton and the jury is me. My initial reaction on Charlton the first time I seen his film was he doesn't play hard and tenacious. He is also plays timid and lazy at times. There are times he is unblockable, I mean don't even run to his side of the field or pray for your QB if he strays in his direction. Charlton is impressive at camps because of his size and athletic ability, he is unblockable in shorts and t-shirt. He is a finesse player, he's a rush end, not built for the strong side. I love his potential, but potential is just that = not there yet. Charlton will need to toughen up and play a bit more violent to be productive at the next level.



Henri Poggi, 6'4" 265 lbs

Don't let this highlight film fool you, Poggi isn't a TE. He is actually one of the premiere SDE/3 tech's in the country and Poggi's only other interest was Alabama in the end. Poggi has all the tools, he sheds blockers with strong hands and his pursuit of the backfield is elite. Poggi has made it clear that he isn't interested in camps or combines, his star rankings are not very important either.



Maurice Hurst JR. , 6'2" 275 lbs

You get the idea after one minute of this film for Hurst. He was recruited as a DT but plays RB, blocks on offense, runs down screen plays and RB sweeps and runs through guys on the OL with ease. How many great athletes can you find that are 275 lbs ? Hurst is one of them. He can eat the middle up like NG, play the run like a SDE and run guys down like a LB, Hurst is the total package.



1. Ohio - Billy Price, 6'4" 287 lbs

Price plays a great SDE and 3 tech also. He has no problem penetrating and abusing offensive lineman. You would think at 287 lbs that he would be a space eater but isn't the case, he needs some speed coming off the ball. He's a very good high school player but take it from me , he's a dumb dumb.



Joey Bosa, 6'6" 260 lbs

Bosa is ohio's prize possession on defense. At 6'6" 260 lbs, he is tall, lean and athletic. Don't let his lean look fool you, he can play inside or outside on the DL and excels at both. He's really quick off the ball, has good hans and his change of direction is excellent, especially when trying to run QB's down in the backfield. He doesn't get juked too much for a big kid, Bosa's a stud.




Michael Hill, 6'2" 315 lbs

I don't think you can ever have enough 300 lb DT's, they are such an asset. Hill is an asset also, he is an athletic 300 lber that plays with good pad level and leverage. He gets off guys decent but he's so strong He just bullrushes guys into ballcarriers.




Tracy Sprinkle, 6'5" 260 lbs

Sprinkle was a surprising commitment for ohio because Meyer supposively only recruits elite athletes, Sprinkle isn't elite. He's a nice size kid with some potential to play SDE or 3 tech. His frame can hold a ton more weight but he's slow and doesn't move real well, he plays a bit stiff.

LINEBACKERS

3. OHIO, They have no commitments for 2013 yet



2. MICHIGAN - Ben Gedeon, 6'3" 220 lbs

Gedeon is the top ranked LB in Ohio and the 10th ranked MLB in the country according to Scout.com. Gedeon is known for his freakish athleticism, he is very strong, like the kid who's 2 yrs older than everybody strong. He plays a very patient LB position, fills gaps, runs down sweeps and is an excellent tackler. Gedeon wraps guys up instead of just runnig into them real hard hoping they fall over.



Mike McCray, 6'4" 218 lbs

McCray is the second ranked LB in ohio, the trotwood Madison product isn't as polished and physical as Gedeon in my opinion. McCray is more of a WLB, he's good in coverage and plays physical, just not with that tenacity of a MLB. He will just add to the ridiculous depth at the LB position in Ann Arbor



1. Notre Dame - Jaylon Smith, 6'3" 220 lbs

Jaylon Smith is the best football player on all three of these teams for 2013, simple as that. After four years will he be the best player as a senior? Who knows, but for now it's not close. He could play college ball right now and be a productive player. He is athletically gifted and football smart as well.



Alex Anzalone, 6'3" 220 lbs

Better known for his wild recruiting trip to ohio that included underage drinking and pictures with child molestors, Anzalone is ND's latest commitment. Anzalone is excellent in space and I think he could play the SS position if necessary. He can hit, he can tackle and cover as well. He will need to add a little bulk for LB, he actually only weighs 210 but he loks a bit light, that's why I like him as a SS.



Michael Deeb, 6'3" 235 lbs

I love kids like Deeb, watch that first play, his setup, he's intimidating looking, he flattens the lineman and then pursues the RB. He's a three star player with a five star chip on his shoulder, he's violent. Kids Like Deeb have not been handed anything, you can see how hard he works on the field. I will take a kid like that over a five star combine monster who thinks he is entitled anyday. Deeb is a player who will be starting at Notre Dame by his sophomore year.

Danny Mattingly, 6'6" 225 lbs

Sorry folks, I can't find film on Mattingly. He's a big lengthy kid who is from the Pacific Northwest and ND wouldn't travel that far for a dud. At that size though, he can add weight and play the edge. 6'6" is an awful tall LB, not that he can;t play there but if he is 6'6" now, where will he be in two years?

DEFENSIVE BACKS



3. Notre Dame - Devin Butler, 6'1" 180 lbs

Butler has good cover skills, he can turn n go well and plays the ball when it's in the air. He does a good job in zone and reads the QB like an experienced CB. My question is if his cover skills are good enough for field coerner or is he physical enough to play bench corner? He looks to be somewhere in between.



Rashad Kinlaw, 6'1" 180 lbs

I'm not seeing film on Kinlaws CB skills but he is a nice athlete. I'm sure he has played some corner but do you recruit a QB to play such a difficult position if they don't have much experience? He has the size to play bench corner but quickness and speed are two different animals. You need elite quickness to play CB.



1. ohio - Jayme thompson, 6'2" 180 lbs

Thompson has good closing speed and in the open field. He looks to be a FS, don't see the physical play of a SS.



Darron Lee, 6'3" 210 lbs

I actually like Lee better than Thompson. He's bigger and more physical and he's able to make plays on the ball as well. Watch him read that play at 1:20 mark, He reads, breaks on the ball and then makes the pick 6



Eli Woodard, 6'1" 185 lbs

I like woodard better than any other DB ohio has received commitments from, even All-American Cameron Burrows. Woodard has better technique, his backpedal, his hips, and his ability to lay wood on opponents is superior in my mind. Woodard does have the ability to play field or bench corner. He's physical and his cover skills one on one and in zone are elite.



Cameron Burrows, 6'2" 190 lbs

Burrows plays the ball well and has decent speed, he's an All-American, he should right? Something about him that discourages me, he lacks quickness and agility. He struggled hard against 6'5" Jaron Dukes when matched up against him, Dukes torched him for 170 yds and a couple TD's. Rivals has B
urrows as a five star recruit but I wouldn't trust him one on one with a NO.1 receiver on the wide side of the field.



1. MICHIGAN - Channing Stribling, 6'2" 175 lbs

Stribling is a two star recruit who has been impressive on his camp tour. He impressed at Michigan, they offered, he accepted. He doesn't blow me away, he's a tall lanky deal who is an absolute project but has potential. Long arms and awareness are his upside




Gareon Conley, 6'1" 170 lbs

Conley is ranked the NO.2 CB in Ohio behind Burrows. He's a four star recruit and has nice cover skills and break on the ball. Conley also is good at reading plays and jumping routes. It's a plus that he excels at special teams also.



Jourdan Lewis, 5'10" 170 lbs

Lewis was a standout at the opening last weekend and made the all tournament team. He is an absolute technician and can blanket the best receivers in the country. His quickness, agility and make up speed are top notch



Dymonthe Thomas, 6'1" 180 lbs

At 4:22 is where his defensive highlights start. Thomas is a five star recruit, the best safety in Ohio and one of the top 6-7 safeties in the country. He is MR. fundamental and he does it with explosiveness. He is exceptional at cutting the field off on sweeps and runs sideline to sideline with a purpose. Thomas tackles hard, he can hit but he tackles to bring a man down. He's as good as it gets at the SS position.

OK, So I made it a draw between ohio and Michigan at DB's because they both have the same amount of commitments with four.
ohio has the no.8, no.9 CB's - NO.59, 31 safeties

Michigan has a NR, 22, 15 CB and NO.4 safety.


Some things on this list could change with one commitment. If ohio receives anothr DB commitment, they will have the edge there. Nobody will catch ND's LB haul for sure. ND could catch ohio at DL but Michigan is probably done there. Ohio will not catch ND or Michigan at OL. If Michigan receives a commitment from RB Derrick Green, they will then get the nod over ohio. Michigan will probably get Treadwell and nobody will catch them there either.

Bowman's Football Planet: CHANNING STRIBLING

Bowman's Football Planet: CHANNING STRIBLING: Plenty of questions surrounding the Michigan offer and commitment for WR-DB Channing Stribling. Why offer a 2 star/NR player who's offer sh...

CHANNING STRIBLING

Plenty of questions surrounding the Michigan offer and commitment for WR-DB Channing Stribling. Why offer a 2 star/NR player who's offer sheet is a who's who of low D1 programs, even some D11 schools as well. Don't worry folks, Michigan's staff is trusted by this Wolverine fan. Look, he' lit it up in Michigan's camp and will receive more attention as he lights up more. He will continue to get more offers and Michigan understands that Stribling, being a 2013 commit, won't see the Michigan field for probably three more years. One more year of high school, another year or two of waiting in the wings of a deep secondary. 6'2" 165 lbs will turn into 6'3" - 6'4" and roughly 185 lbs by the time he see's the field at the next level.


A couple years ago I sit in a press box at a high school game, scouting a couple JR's when a young man started to raise my eyebrows. A kid who had one offer from a MAC school and was a 2 star recruit who didn't blow peoples minds at combines either. Not only did he play on a crappy team who had no heart or coaching, but nobody was talking about him as a playmaker. Their team was being destroyed by another mediocre team, he wouldn't stop motoring through the OL and and wrecking every play. This was late in the fourth quarter when losers give up, take the loss and go home, he wasn't having it. He may have been the best player I witnessed in my five years of evaluating. His name was Roosevelt Nix-Jones. Nix Jones, a low star recruit from Reynoldsburg , Ohio is now an All -American candidate playing at Kent State. Kent State was also the team of Jerome Harrison, an all NFL player. He is a 5'11" 265 lb DT who was the MAC defensive player of the year as a freshman. My point? Just because a kid isn't a combine monster or a 6'5" 300 DT, doesn't mean he isn't a football player. There are a ton of kids like this, Stribling may be the next Nix-Jones.

Bowman's Football Planet: URBAN OWNS OHIO? PROVE IT?

Bowman's Football Planet: URBAN OWNS OHIO? PROVE IT?: I know I have blogged on this topic recently but there are many uninformed ohio fans still spewing off about how coach meyer owns ohio in...

URBAN OWNS OHIO? PROVE IT?

I know I have blogged on this topic recently but there are many uninformed ohio fans still spewing off about how coach meyer owns ohio in recruiting. Folks, this is false and couldn't be further from the truth. Please ohio fans, do some updated research before spilling this garbage to people who actually follow recruiting.

In 2012, 24 kids committed to Michigan and ohio. Meyer received 3 commitments and they were all flipped from other schools. He didn't recruit any of them, he sold his past success to them and they bought it. All the other ohio commits were Fickells and it shows. Hoke received 9 of them, the edge goes to Hoke and Michigan.

In the current 2013 recruiting class, 14 kids have committed to Michigan and ohio, Michigan has 8 of them. All of them are no less than four star recruits including the no.4 safety in the country Dymonthe Thomas who is actually a five star recruit. Six of the top 8 players in ohio are committed to Michigan including the NO.1 RB, NO.1 and 2 LB's, NO.1 TE, NO.2 CB and NO.1 edge rusher in Taco Charlton. Owning ohio would be more like 12-2 or 10-4 ohio, not 8-6 Michigan.

There is a rumor also that the NO.1 LB in ohio, Michael Ferns canceled his MSU visit after visiting Michigan over the weekend. Sounds like Michigan owns ohio to me. Michigan has a huge jump on 2014 and ohio is one of their top targets. All the top players in ohio for 2014 will be visiting Michigan. Hoke is not only selling Michigan but selling Michigan football to ohio players and making a huge impact on the HS football scene. Just to update all the uninformed ohio fans, Michigan is NO.1 in recruiting for 2013 by a landslide. Ohio is running out of options and they only have 11 commits and are almost 2,000 recruiting points behind Michigan. There seems to be no action going on by urban and his "dream team" staff in recruiting. Michigan owns ohio and actually the country as of now. Look for Michigan to close out their 2013 class with a few more blue chips before it's all over.

Bowman's Football Planet: DEPTH ISSUES, TAKEN CARE OF?

Bowman's Football Planet: DEPTH ISSUES, TAKEN CARE OF?: Listen folks, if a coach is only as good as his staff, then Michigan coach Brady Hoke is shining. When it comes to recruiting, Michigan's c...

DEPTH ISSUES, TAKEN CARE OF?

Listen folks, if a coach is only as good as his staff, then Michigan coach Brady Hoke is shining. When it comes to recruiting, Michigan's coaching staff is second to none, literally. Depth issues have been a concern for the team the last couple years and even the OL and DL are still not there yet. I believe that the OL, DL and LB's have received the most ridicule from fans as far as depth issues. I am convinced with what I have witnessed, as far as recruiting, that when the 2013 season kicks off, depth will only be a memory. Let me give a rundown to let you know where I am coming from.


Offensive Line starters for 2012
LT- Lewan
LG- Mealer
C - Barnum
RG- Omameh
RT- Schofield

Decent starting five but where is the depth?

Jack Miller
Glasgow

enter 2012 class
Kalis
Magnuson
Braden
Bars
O'neill

enter 2013 class
Kugler
Bosch
Dawson
Fox
Logan Tulley Tillman

When 2013 kicks off, Michigan is 2 deep at every OL position.

Lewan and Schofield return and Jack Miller should be at C with some experience. I believe Magnuson is the future LT and Kalis at RG. I also look for Bars, Braden and O'neill to become productive backups.

2013
Dawson is the only guy who looks to become a true tackle (right tackle). LTT is penciled as a tackle but seems too sloppy for the edge in my opinion.
Fox, Kugler and Bosch are All-Americans who are capable of backup roles immediately. So when 2013 kicks off, the questionable OL looks like this.

Lewan College All-American (if returns)
Miller
Schofield
Kalis HS All-American
Magnuson HS All-American
Braden
Bars
O'neill
Bosch HS All-American
Kugler HS All-American
Fox HS All-American
Dawson HS All - American
LTT

No issues there folks.


DL

2012 starters

Beyer
Campbell
Black
Roh

Depth?
Clark
Brink
Ash
Washington
Pipkins

decent starters and decent depth but not stable. Clark is a stud, nobody else is convincing.

2012 class
Tom Strobel
Wormley
Godin
Pipkins
Henry
Ojemudia

2013 class
Taco Charlton
Maurice Hurst
Henri Poggi

When 2013 kicks off, here it is

Beyer
Clark
Black
Brink
Pipkins
Godin
Strobel
Wormley
Ojemudia
Henry
Poggi
Hurst
Charlton

Depth issues? No more


LB's

This has become the deepest position immediately

2012 LB's

Ryan
Demens
Morgan
Hawthorne
Cam Gordon
Jones
Bolden HS All-American
Ross All-American
RJS All-American
Ringer

Throw in 2013 commits Gedeon and McCray and your 10-11 deep in 2013.

Michigan is loaded

Bowman's Football Planet: MICHIGAN GETS #19 WITH DT!

Bowman's Football Planet: MICHIGAN GETS #19 WITH DT!: http://youtu.be/NNm6tAZOK4M Yea, that's Hurst penetrating the OL, running down bubble screens, playing RB and blocking guys completely out...

MICHIGAN GETS #19 WITH DT!

http://youtu.be/NNm6tAZOK4M

Yea, that's Hurst penetrating the OL, running down bubble screens, playing RB and blocking guys completely out of the video. At 6'3" 285 LBS, Hurst is an athlete being compared to Marvin Austin. He has the ability to play the 3 tech or gain weight and defend at NT if necessary. His athletic ability leads me to believe a 3 tech would be more of a fit. Rumor has it that Michigan may be receiving another commitment in the next couple days or so also.

Michigan sets alone at the NO.1 spot in 2013 recruiting with nobody close to be honest. Michigan is absolutely loaded already for next years class with four of the top 6 players in Ohio and commitments from the top players in Michigan as well. There was this idea that when urban meyer arrived in ohio, that he would have the say so on who goes to Michigan and who doesn't. In the meantime, Michigan has received verbal commitments from the two top LB's, Ben Gedeon and Mike McCray. They also wrapped up ohio's top RB, Deveon Smith and the state's top and top 10 national Safety in Dymonthe Thomas. I think someone forgot to inform coach Hoke about Michigan not receiving ohio players anymore.

According to Scout.com rankings, here is some of Michigan's 2013 class. Position and national ranking.

RB - #7
QB - #3
LB - #10 and #17
OL - #1, #7, #5, #4, #16
Safety - #4
TE - #7, #16
FB - #2

There is also a breaking story in South Bend with the commitment of OLB Jaylon Smith to ND. If you have not seen Smith play, you are missing something special. Here he is in action. Smith could play any LB spot and CB if he wanted to.

http://youtu.be/E4T_9a7X6ZE

Bowman's Football Planet: PHIL STEELE'S ALL BIG-TEN TEAMS, WHAT I WOULD CHA...

Bowman's Football Planet: PHIL STEELE'S ALL BIG-TEN TEAMS, WHAT I WOULD CHA...: I'm having a problem sharing the link to Phil Steele's all Big-Ten selections, go check them out for yourself. After looking through them, ...

PHIL STEELE'S ALL BIG-TEN TEAMS, WHAT I WOULD CHANGE.

I'm having a problem sharing the link to Phil Steele's all Big-Ten selections, go check them out for yourself. After looking through them, I see a couple mishaps as he selects four teams. At a point, you just start to name popular players after the second team. I can't argue too much but here are the one's that stick out.


Not too many arguments on the first team but Roundtree WR and Stoneburner TE. Stoneburner only caught 14 balls last year and Jacob Pederson caught 30 and also had more TD's 8-7. Stoneburner also plays on a team that gave up more sacks than any other team in the conference last year and are trying to replace the top three OL. They were the 3rd worst passing team in the country, I don't see them turning the air attack around that much already. Roundtree caught 72 balls two yrs ago but took a huge step back last season with 19 receptions, his production should pickup some but not a ton. I would take Iowa's Keenan Davis (30 receptions last year) over Tree which brings me to MR. Steele's total neglect of Davis on all four teams.

Steele also neglects Iowa's QB James Vandenberg on all four teams as well. I personally think this is a total joke considering that Vandenberg threw for over 3,000 yds, 25td's and only 7int's. I'll take Vandenberg on my second team and ohio's Braxton Miller a fourth teamer behind Nebraska's Taylor Martinez. With WR Marvin McNutt leaving Iowa and Manley - Martin moving to the number one spot, Davis then move's to NO.2, that's the reason I'll take Keenan Davis as my other NO.1 WR over Roundtree.

On the second team is two ohio OL, Andrew Norwell and Jack Mewhort. Ohio had the worst OL in the conference last season as far as pass protection. I won't argue Norwell but Mewhort was a guard last season and is now transitioning to a LT, he makes second team? No way. There is an old saying that goes like this "you can make a tackle a guard but you can't make a guard a tackle". I also like Iowa's C James Ferentz over Illinois Pocic. Michigan's LB's Jake Ryan and Desmond Morgan, according to Phil Steele, are not in the top 16 LB's in the conference? Blake countess should be opposite Brad Roby on the fourth team.

MY TOP FIVE OL IN THE BIG -TEN

After some research, I have come up with my top five OL for the 2012 season. In no particular order, here they are.

Travis Frederick - Wisconsin, 6'4" 330 LBS JR

Frederick was a second team all Big-Ten selection and will make the move from LG to C this season. Frederick and his Wisconsin offense were NO.1 in scoring, rushing and total offense in 2011. With Montee Ball back, there should still be plenty of rushing yards and TD's to be accumulated this upcoming football season.

Ricky Wagner - Wisconsin, 6'6" 322 LBS SR.

Wagner, a former walk - on, will make the move to tackle from guard and also was a honorable mention selection last year. Like teammate Frederick, Wagner should be a staple in the success of Wisconsins dominating rushing offense in 2012.

Spencer Long - Nebraska, 6'4" 305 LBS JR

Long is another walk - on who makes a position change this season. Long will move from LG to C this season. Long was also a second team selection last year, Nebraska was 3rd in the conference and 15th in the country in rushing offense in 2011.

Brian Mulroe - Northwestern, 6'4" 295 LBS, JR

Mulroe was an honorable mention conference selection and one of four OL returning this year. Mulroe played LG and Northwestern was second in total offense in the Big - Ten in 2011.

Taylor Lewan - Michigan, 6'8" 305 LBS JR

Lewan is a prototypical LT. Reminding people of Jake Long with his number and size, Lewan also has the skills to back it up. He was a second team selection last year and without a doubt is the best LT in the conference for 2012. If Lewan turns pro, he is a first rounder in the minds of all the experts.

MY TOP FIVE BIG - TEN LB'S FOR 2012!

This will be in no particular order considering they are playing different LB positions.

Mike Taylor - Wisconsin, 6'2" 222 LBS SR

It's hard to imagine a LB with 150 tackles, third in the country, flying under the radar, but Taylor did. Ask some fans from the South who Mike Taylor is and you probably receive a shoulder shrug and head shake. Taylor was an all Big - Ten selection with no surprise, tallying 60 solo's, 90 ast, 2 sacks, 3 FF's, 2 int's, 9 TFL's and 2 FR's. Taylor had a huge game against Oregon in the rose bowl and also racked up 22 tackles in a loss to ohio.

Chris Borland - Wisconsin, 5'11" 245 LBS JR

Above is Borland on film and who would have thought that Wisconsin would be the LB producer for 2012 in the conference? Borland was a first team all Big - Ten selection by the coach's and media. Borland is a Kettering, Ohio native and a tackling machine to say the least. Borland had 64 solo's and 79 ast to total 143 tackles last year. Borland also racked up an impressive 19 TFL's ( tackles for loss ), 5 FF's and 2 int's. Borland, like Taylor isn't your freakish athlete transitioning into the LB position. Borland is a boring, throwback LB that racks up ridiculous numbers, what else does a coach want from a LB than 143 stops?

Jonathan Brown - Illinois, 6'1" 235 LBS JR


Brown is another head scratcher for some who don't follow Big - Ten football. Brown was a second team all Big - Ten selection last year after putting together a very productive season, maybe the most impressive of all the LB's when it comes to stats. Brown tallied 108 tackles but 62 of his were solo's and only 46 ast. Brown also had 6 sacks and 19.5 TFl's (sixth in the country ). Illinois was a surprising no.2 in total D in the conference last season, NO.1 against pass and NO.2 against the run. Brown also had 2 FR's, 1 int and 4 PBU's.

Gerald Hodges - Penn State, 6'2" 235 LBS SR


There has been questions of what program is the real " Linebacker U ", but year in and year out Penn State has another stud in the making. Hodges is the next PSU LB who is a difference maker. By the way, Miami is Linebacker U folks. Hodges was a first team all Big - Ten selection last season by the coaches and his 106 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 10 TFl were the reason why. Hodges also had 1int, 4 PBU's, 2 FF and a 19 tackle outing against Illinois. Hodges was actually a safety who transitioned over to LB and should have a stellar 2012 season.

Denicos Allen - Michigan State, 5'10" 220 LBS JR

Look folks, Denicos Allen just may be the best and most explosive athlete in the conference. I do think he is a SS playing the LB position, he reminds me of ( I might take heat here because it seems a stretch ) Polamalu. Allen had 83 tackles and was second in the conference with 11 sacks. He was a second team media selection in the Big - Ten and also had 18.5 TFL. Denicos Allen has All - American potential and MSU is a top five defense in the country.

Bowman's Football Planet: ISAAC WAS A MISS BUT NOT THE BEST RB FOR MICHIGAN ...

Bowman's Football Planet: ISAAC WAS A MISS BUT NOT THE BEST RB FOR MICHIGAN ...: Yesterday, five star RB Ty Isaac picked USC over Michigan. This was a huge surprise considering he is from Joliet, Illinois and has been hi...

ISAAC WAS A MISS BUT NOT THE BEST RB FOR MICHIGAN FOOTBALL!

Yesterday, five star RB Ty Isaac picked USC over Michigan. This was a huge surprise considering he is from Joliet, Illinois and has been high on Michigan for quite some time. I did a blog back in February about the five RB's that Michigan had offered at that time. Isaac was my third choice behind 1. Derrick Green and 2. Deveon Smith. Isaac's athleticism is unquestionable but his size and toughness as a RB are also. He is a homerun threat when he touches the ball ( that's in high school )and his speed is second to none. Isaac also is 6'3" and roughly 220 lbs, that's as a junior in high school. What if he grows two more inches? Who is the last 6'4" 230 lb RB that was a great? He also catches the ball well out of the backfield and runs nice routes as well. Will Isaac ever be a blue collar, use his OL, grind it out type of RB that Michigan would like? I don't know. This is what I know, Deveon Smith is a perfect fit at 5'10" 210 lbs and in my opinion, Derrick Green is the best I have seen on tape. Look for yourself.




Like I said, Isaac's an athlete and unmatched against these kids. He also runs upright and his uniform is too damn clean for me. Is it a dissapointment Michigan lost him? Yes. Is he the one who got away? WE will have to wait and see.


http://youtu.be/G0gSsZn4Czo

Sorry folks but Derrick Green is the total package. He is 5'10", over 200 lbs and runs a sub 4.4 40. He also runs with a mean streak. His highlights are not full of 80 yd TD's but grinding 10-15 Yd gains. He is explosive on top of all that and Michigan is in the running for this kid.



http://youtu.be/Vd7kCeT60IM


Look folks, a big question about a a high school RB transitioning to the college game is how tough he is. There are no questions in my mind when it comes to Michigans 2013 RB commitment Deveon Smith. Be happy this kid is a future Michigan RB. Most have seen this highlight reel but it's still unbelievable to me how many tackles he breaks. No questions there about toughness.



http://youtu.be/uCdxufS7Sbo

Jordan Wilkins is the latest RB with a Michigan offer and he is showing some interest. I guess I just see glaring differences between Smith, Green and other backs. This kid looks like an athlete but this resembles a 12 yr old playing in a 10 yr old little league. Everythings a pitchout and most of his runs are out to the edge. He's just shuffling through traffic looking for an opening while the half ass defenses fall over their own feet. Does that mean he won't be a top notch RB/ No, but Smith and Green are on a different level when it comes to violent, low running style RB's.

Bowman's Football Planet: TOP FIVE QB'S IN THE BIG TEN

Bowman's Football Planet: TOP FIVE QB'S IN THE BIG TEN: Here is my top QB's in order from 5 to 1. 5. Nathan Scheelhaase - 6'3" 195 LBS, JR, Illinois Scheelhaase at times is fantas...

TOP FIVE QB'S IN THE BIG TEN

Here is my top QB's in order from 5 to 1.

5. Nathan Scheelhaase - 6'3" 195 LBS, JR, Illinois


Scheelhaase at times is fantastic but inconsistent the longer he plays. Scheelhaase completed 63% last season for 2,110 yds, 13 TD's and 8 INT's. He rushed for 624 YDs and another 6 TD's for a total of 2,734 yds and 19 TD's. Playmakers will be a problem, AJ Jenkins was his best receiver and he is now gone. There are not a stable of RB's waiting to take a ton of pressure off him either.

4. Braxton Miller - 6'3" 210 lbs, SO., ohio

Miller is undoubtedly a talented player. Big-Ten's freshman of the year and the key to ohio's revamped offense under Urban Meyer. Miller was more ridiculed for his passing skills than his explosiveness last season. Miller threw for 1,159 yds, 54% completions, 13 TD's and 4 Int's, Rushed for 715 yds and another 7 TD's. That's pretty good for a true freshman walking into a questionable situation. A huge problem was he took 39 sacks last year, that is a combination of bad OL and immaturity. There is positives, even know they lost their last 2 games, he played well and his passing was the best it had ben all season.

3. Taylor Martinez - 6'1" 210 lbs, JR, Nebraska

Martinez's mechanics, when it comes to throwing the ball, are absolutely awful. This is college football though, it doesn't matter as long as you can make a play somehow. Martinez's running skills are to be admired, he is as slick as it comes when he can get into open field and stretch his legs out. He threw for 2,089 yds 13 TD's and 8 int's last season. He completed 56% of his passes and also ran for 874 YDS and 9 TD's. Martinez almost hit 3,000 yds of total offense with 2,963. He has his bodyguard Burkhead back and weapons in Abdullah and Bell returning as well. Martinez will shine again, the longer he learns the offense the better he will get.

2. James Vandenberg - 6'3" 210 lbs, SR, Iowa

I am not convinced any QB in the Big -Ten is an NFL talent, but if there is one it is Vandenberg. He runs a pro style offense and has the closest thing to an NFL arm in the conference. He finished third last season in passing yards in front of Wisconsins Russell Wilson. Vandenberg's numbers, 58.7 completion %, 25 TD's and only 7 int's. With RB's going in and out of Iowa's program like a tag team match, the whole offense goes through Vandenberg. Losing top wideout Marvin McNutt will hurt a bit.

1. Denard Robinson - 6'1" 190 lbs, SR, Michigan

Robinson was NO.1 in total offense last season in the Big-Ten. Chances are that he will repeat that again. Robinson is a scoring machine on the ground and through the air. Robinson through for 2,173 YDs, 55 completion %, 20 tds and 15 int's. He rushed for 1,176 yds and another 16 td's. He totaled 3,349 yds and 36 TD's and is without a doubt the most exciting and explosive player in the conference. He will have to drop the INT's and Hemingway leaving doesn't help that fact. Denard's second year in the offense combined with a solid RB in Toussaint means another record breaking year for Robinson.

Bowman's Football Planet: TOP FIVE CB'S IN THE BIG TEN

Bowman's Football Planet: TOP FIVE CB'S IN THE BIG TEN: Quite a few top cover guys went pro but a few are back. Here is my list of top CB's for the upcoming season in from 5 to 1. 5. ...

TOP FIVE CB'S IN THE BIG TEN

Quite a few top cover guys went pro but a few are back. Here is my list of top CB's for the upcoming season in from 5 to 1.

5. JT Floyd - 6'1" 185 LBS SR Michigan

Floyd was an honorable mention all Big-Ten player who is also a two yr starter coming into this season. Michigan returns 8 on defense and Floyd is one of four seniors coming back. Floyd tallied 48 tackles, 8 pass break ups, 2 int's and a forced fumble.

4. Josh Johnson - 5'11" 190 lbs Sr Purdue

Johnson, a Miami, Florida native, recieved no respect last year when it came to postseason awards. How? Look at these numbers, 63 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 9 PBU's, and 2 int's. Those are top notch stats for a CB. With another year like that, Johnson will surely get the respect he deserves this season.

3. Terry Hawthorne - 6'1" 190 lbs SR Illinois

Hawthorne was an instrumental part of a defense that was NO.1 against the pass last year. He is now the NO.1 guy and was an honorable mention all Big-Ten player last season. Hawthorne racked up 60 tackles, 5 TFL's, 1 FF, 1 QB hurry, 8 PBU's and 3 int's. Look for Hawthorne to be an all-big ten selection at years end.

2. Micah Hyde - 6'1" 185 lbs SR Iowa

Hyde seems as if he has been at Iowa forever. He is a two year starter going into the 2012 season and has an impressive stat line to go with it. He was an all conference selection last year. Hyde's numbers - 72 tackles 6 of those for loss. 1 FF, 8 PBU's, 3 int's.

1. Johnnie Adams - 5'11" 175 lbs SR Michigan State

1st team all conference as a junior and was the most impressive of all the corners in my opinion. He's all over the field and plays much bigger than his frame. Adams absolutely cranks out production, look at this stat line , 6 pbu's, 3 int's one of those returned for a TD. Michigan state had the NO.1 defense in the conference when it comes to total D, Adams also had 51 tackles and four of those for loss, 4 QB hurries, 3 sacks,. Adams returned his three int's for a total of 141 yds and his TD was an 86 yarder.

2012 BIG-TEN'S TOP FIVE RB's

With roughly three months until fall practice and four until the season opener, I wanted to start rating top players at each position. I researched last years stats, returning OL, and a few other resources that will be of importance to the success of these five RB's. Here is what I have came up with. 5. Lev'eon Bell 6'2" 237 LBS, JR Michigan State

Columbus, Ohio's own Lev'eon Bell just keeps getting bigger and better every year. Rumored to be upwards of 240 LBS, Bell combines power, strength and at times, finesse to his arsenal of skills. Bell seemed to take over the starting spot last season and is one of the reasons why Edwin Baker took off to the NFL. This year he will be the "man" and shouldn't have to split as many carries with Larry Caper as he did Baker. Bell rushed for 948 yds on 182 carries last season, averaging a 5.2 yds a carry. That comes out to just over 15 carries a game and roughly 67 yds a game with 13 TD's.. With four returning starters back on the OL, a new QB and depth issues at WR, look for Bell to pick up his carries this season. He shouldn't have a problem breaking 1,000 yds, Bell can catch the ball out of the backfield as well. 4. Silas Redd 5'10" 209 LBS, JR Penn State

Redd was quietly the third leading rusher in the conference last year. Another Jr. RB who had an impressive sophomore season. He has the numbers to prove it, 244 carries 1,241 yds, 5.1 avg and 7 TD's. Some may have Redd rated a little higher than me going into the up coming season but let me tell you why I have him at four. Penn State lost four OL, and everyone knows if there are OL issues there is probably low RB production, especially in the Big-Ten. He averaged 20 carries a game last year and should stay around the same this upcoming season. 3. Fitz Toussaint 5'10" 200 LBS, JR Michigan

When it comes to quickness, vision, and agility, Toussaint is the best the conference has to offer. Taking over the top RB spot about 1/4 way through the season, Toussaint didn't dissapoint. Averaging 5.6 yds a carry on 187 attempts, the JR. from Northern Ohio tallied up 1,041 yds. He averaged just a little over 15 carries a game last season, look for him to add more carries and yards. Michigan returns three OL one of them is the Big-Ten's best in LT Taylor Lewan. This may may be the year a RB rushes for more yards than QB Denard Robinson. 2. Rex Burkhead 5'11" 210 LBS, SR Nebraska

Burkhead is your prototypical blue collar RB, some may call him a throwback, whatever that means. Burkhead carried 283 times last season, a little over 23 a game. He only averaged 4.8 a carry, Burkhead isn't a great athlete possessing speed and quickness but a bruiser that wears defenses down. He started to wear down at the end of the year and that causes Nebraska problems because the offense runs through him. He 1,357 yds and 15 TD's last year and he probably won't match those numbers again. Never the less, He is their work horse and still will run for well over 1,000 yds and 10 td's. 1. Montee Ball 5'11" 210 LBS, SR Wisconsin

This is a no brainer, right? I mean he carried the ball over 300 times last season and averaged 6.3 a carry. Does Ball only weigh 210 LBS? He run as if he is 250 LBS, scoring 33 rushing TD's and 1,923 YDS, Ball is a one man wrecking crew. Wisconsin is losing the right side of the line including the center but OL in Wisconsin are all big and just waiting their turn. Ball won't match those ridiculous numbers but he will easily hit 1,500 -1,600 yds and 20-25 TD's.

Bowman's Football Planet: 2013 RECRUITING! WHAT ELSE?

Bowman's Football Planet: 2013 RECRUITING! WHAT ELSE?: It seems there is this argument between ohio and Michigan fans about commitments. When Michigan receives a commitment, ohio fans say "ohio ...

2013 RECRUITING! WHAT ELSE?

It seems there is this argument between ohio and Michigan fans about commitments. When Michigan receives a commitment, ohio fans say "ohio didn't want him anyways" or "urban didn't even offer him", and vice versa. Sometimes this is the truth but the reality is that both coaching staffs have different ideas on who they want. I'm sure coaches study film and evaluate recruits before making the initial offers. TE and WR coaches probably have a huge input on if a head coach offers a player for that position, the position coach probably pulls the trigger. It all comes down to team needs and who they want.

For instance:

Michigan Commitments ohio offer

TE Jake Butt NO
RB Deveon Smith yes
OL Michigan has 5 3 yes 2 no

ohio commitments Michigan offer

TE Marcus Baugh NO
DE Tracy Sprinkle NO
RB Jalin Marshall Yes
CB Cam Burrows yes

This is just to show that both teams have offered the other teams commitments. TE Jake Butt is a higher ranked TE than Baugh and he's from Columbus. Why no offer? It's simple, they didn't want him, they are looking for an aaron Hernandez type of player, not a prototypical pro-style TE. Michigan didn't want Sprinkle because they don't like him, on the other hand, everyone likes Jalin Marshall. Marshall went to ohio because he is great in space and it's a better fit. All five OL that committed to Michigan are All - Americans and not one of them are lower than a 4 star recruit, two of them are five stars. They went to Michigan because they are back to a pro-style offense and are bringing in a 5 star, pro-style QB in Shane Morris in 2013.

There is also a small delusional group of Michigan fans that think that Urban Meyer is struggling in recruiting. Hate to break it to em but it's not happening or is going to happen. He's getting the players that fits his scheme. Coaches are looking for athletes, plain and simple. When I watch Michigan and ohio recruits on film there is some differences, not all of them but there is some. A majority of Michigan commitments look to be "football players", let me explain. They are all "football players" but Michigan favors the stronger, hard nosed, in the trenches type of players, Gedeon, Deveon Smith, Kugler. Ohio offered those kids but they are better fits at Michigan. Ohio commitments are "athletes", speed, agility, in space type of players. Jalin Marshall is a QB that is out of position but is rated as a RB. Why? He is a nightmare in space and can lineup in the backfield, slot, or a wildcat type of QB. Michigan offered him but he is a better fit at ohio.


With all that said, ohio has picked up three commitments lately. Let's take a look.

Tracy Sprinkle - DL 6'5" 260 lbs, Elyria, Ohio

http://youtu.be/HkCOI6kuE4A

A little surprised Meyer offered this kid considering he doesn't look like an athletic kid. I'm sure he will move inside in a couple years, his pass rushing skills are not great but he's big and strong. He's a bit slow coming off the edge and his hands are mediocre at best. He does a great job at getting at the QB once he penetrates the OL.


Alex Anzalone - LB 6'3" 225 lbs, Wyomissing, PA


http://youtu.be/MXwmKTDk9ec

Just the fact that Anzalone is playing strong SS at 6'3" 225 lbs shows you what type of athlete he is. Supposively Anzalone is a LB now and he can run to say the least, very athletic. He has great sideline to sideline speed and is ver good in coverage. He gets beat on a couple plays here and uses his speed to get back and break up the play. My opinion is he could play a couple different positions, maybe SS, probably SLB with his ability to cover TE's and backs.


JT Barrett QB, 6'2" 200 lbs, Texas

http://youtu.be/SF5jY8SgETk

Actually reminds me of B. Miller already, Same size, mechanics, elusive. He has a adequate arm strength and is extrememly acurate. I seen a service last week that had his cmp % around 65-70%. Escapes the pocket/trouble while keeping his eyes downfield and can extend the play. When he decides to tuck and run he is extremely dangerous and runs the QB draw to perfection. This is a perfect fit to meyers offense. He still has a year of high school and won't get to campus until Miller's JR season anyways, plenty of time to be groomed.

Bowman's Football Planet: IMMEDIATE IMPACT!

Bowman's Football Planet: IMMEDIATE IMPACT!: WELL, spring practice is over and if your anything like me then your wondering how the hell Michigan will approach the Alabama matchup Sept....

IMMEDIATE IMPACT!

WELL, spring practice is over and if your anything like me then your wondering how the hell Michigan will approach the Alabama matchup Sept.1st. Are they capable of running the ball up the middle against Bama's massive and athletic defensive front? Will Robinson have time to throw, if so will Michigan's WR's be able to get separation? Will he be able to run on their stellar defense like he has ran on Big -Ten defenses in the past? Is the defense up to the challenge? How will their smaller DL fare against arguably the top OL in the country? More importantly, how will Campbell do facing off against All - American Barret Jones, who, from what I hear has moved to the center position? Jones is good enough to deal with Campbell without a double team, if Campbell doesn't demand a double team, look for the LBs to be very busy.


Sorry, I drifted off the topic of "IMMEDIATE IMPACT". Just a bit worried about the opener. With depth issues and some questions at certain positions, what recruits can make an immediate impact. Not just playing time in blowouts but legit impact players. Here is my opinion.

Offensively

Kyle Kalis - Kalis already has the NFL body, played against top competition and absolutely wants blood on the field. He is good enough to push Mealer and Burzynski out of the LG position immediately.

Devin Funchess - 6'4" 205lbs. Not a prototypical TE and that's why I think he will be productive immediately. AJ Williams is the other TE coming in this fall and he is a devestating blocker. Hemingway was the downfield threat last season especially in jump ball situations. I believe funchess can be that guy this year. He has great hands, jumping ability and consistently beats double teams. He can line up wide if necessary or even in the slot. He is an absolute mismatch for lbs and safeties even at the college level.





DEFENSIVELY

Ondre Pipkins - With nobody dominating the NT position and Campbell still being a question mark, Pipkins Will be pushed in immediately. If he is productive from the start, look for him to be the main man in the middle. Pipkins demanded and destroyed double teams in high school. He will be tested immediately at Michigan, he should play against Bama Sept1st.


Jarrod Wilson - Wilson had a good spring and covers a lot of field. He had a ton of int's in high school and does damage with the ball in his hands. He should see a considerable amount of time this Season and I wouldn't be surprised if he is one of the int leaders as well.


Joe Bolden - another player with a good spring and all the skills and intangibles to go with it. Bolden is a natural and should share time early, he can play any lb position. As the year goes on he will play better and be a positive part of the defense by years end.




Sleeper? - good question. I would say look at positions that need depth, DL. Look for either Willie Henry, Matt Godin or Tom Strobel to get some time but nothing relevant. I'm not big on Wormley yet, he needs work. Ojemudia is as polished and skilled in the class but will be buried behind Beyer and Clark.

Bowman's Football Planet: DT TARGETS FOR 2013

Bowman's Football Planet: DT TARGETS FOR 2013:      Will Campbell........Richard Ash.........Quinton Washington.......These three players make up the depth chart for Michigan's NG positio...

DT TARGETS FOR 2013

     Will Campbell........Richard Ash.........Quinton Washington.......These three players make up the depth chart for Michigan's NG position currently.  Come August,  Ondre Pipkins will join these three, adding one more 300lber to the bill.  This is a very important position and one of the most talked about especially when it comes to recruiting.  A devastating NG is your run stuffer, space eater and the difference between a goodnight sleep or  miserable existence for opposing coaches the night before the big game.  With just a short list of high quality DT's in the class of 2013,  Michigan may be headed for plan B at this position.  Let's look at some realistic options.


 Henry Poggi - DT 6'4" 265lbs, Baltimore , MD

http://youtu.be/dIExCICyzEM

  Here is the deal with Poggi, he's not a NG, he's a 3 tech or SDE.  He would have to gain 40-50 lbs to become the horse in the middle.  He is quite a player though, great hands and pursuit.  Hopefully he will find Ann Arbor as exciting as all the other 2013 recruits.


  This is where plan B comes in.  With all the top NG's becoming a long shot, I think Kenton Gibbs and Poet Thomas are the realistic options.  I think Michigan could possibly land both of them if they recruited them hard enough, but one of these two seem most likely to become part of the class unless one of the top guys make a surprise commitment.

 Poet Thomas - DT 6'6" 285lbs, Detroit Country Day


http://youtu.be/VKjcl_S080w

 Am I not suppose to like this kids potential because he is not a top tier ranked player?  Actually, I think he is a good DT, and with plenty of time to gain good weight, he could become that pillar in the middle.  He is absolutely massive and isn't a slobby 285 by any means.  Watch his hands at the :30, and 1:19 mark, he simply throws kids aside.  Not that he could do that at the college level but it's great potential.  He's not a great athlete but he looks unstoppable when he wants.  6'6" is a bit tall for a NG but playing at pad level erases that myth, he shows signs of being capable of doing that.


Kenton Gibbs - DT 6'2" 285lbs  Cass Tech

http://youtu.be/qPg3ldn9q8k

 Gibbs looks like a better athlete than Thomas but 285lbs may be a few extra than what he really is.  He's a good DT but a true NG? I don't know.  He makes plenty of plays in the backfield and gets down the line really well but doesn't face the double teams Thomas was facing. 
Thomas may be the best plan B if Michigan wants to recruit and mold a true NG.

Bowman's Football Planet: ND 2013 updated recruiting class

Bowman's Football Planet: ND 2013 updated recruiting class:        ND's team is getting a little long in the tooth as you can see here above.  Hey, but they have the experience to get to a BCS game t...

ND 2013 updated recruiting class

  
    ND's team is getting a little long in the tooth as you can see here above.  Hey, but they have the experience to get to a BCS game this season. 

     As a Michigan fan I like to keep updated on all their rivals recruiting classes.  Do I have the hate for ND like I do for Ohio? Absolutely not, a matter a fact I have respect for their program because their fans don't wear jean shorts and jersey's.  ND's alumni are known to greet the opposing teams bus as they pull up with handshakes and "welcome to South Bend".  That's a far cry from ohio's tradition of a pepper spray to the face and a possible five on one beating after the game , win or lose.  I love evaluating anyways and ND is off to a hot start.  There is a surprise player on this list that tickles my fancy and may just have ND fans smiling after I point out some details to his game.


 Steven Elmer - OL 6'6" 297lbs   Midland, Mi

http://youtu.be/pmyo4_tOYgY

Half these highlights are Elmer destroying #54, it's pathetic.  Elmer is massive at 6'6" and pushing 300lbs.  Elmer plays very physical until the whistle blows.  Watch him at the 1:02  mark, yea that's number 54 again.  Excellent run blocker and adequate in pass protection also.  He deals with the cut blocking real well, keeping his man at arms length or getting lower than him. All the potential is there for Elmer to become a starting lineman at ND in a couple years. 


Hunter Bivin - OL 6'7" 287lbs  Owensboro, Kentucky


http://youtu.be/nJGz6DN1CHw

WOW, here I was preparing to watch some fat hillbilly beating up on some chumps. I was sadly mistaken my friends.  Bivin is one of the most well rounded OL I have seen on film up to this point. His pass protection skills are great, he gets out of stance and retreats with good balance and footwork.  He's athletic, playing the center position at 6'7"? It's impressive the way he gets off the line after he snaps, he's out in front of everybody and watch the way protects the whole middle of the field.  Then there is his run blocking, very solid, he's strong and gets low. His posture is nice and high when pass protecting, keeping his man at arms length and low during run blocking.  At 290 lbs, Bivin can easily hold more weight and looks to be a true LT.


 Colin McGovern - OL 6'6" 290 lbs New Lenox, Ill
http://youtu.be/1E4wGdHAaHY

Hate to throw a Michigan reference in here but I have to.  I understand why Michigan offered all the same kids that ND did and McGovern is a perfect example.  You would never know he is 6'6" by the way he plays, great pad level once again out of another recruit.   He's physical, violent, strong and isn't lazy.  He brutalizes a couple DL in this clip and then goes to the next level to wax a LB.  This kid is passionate about his game and plays with attitude.  Quick off the snap, drives his man out of the picture a couple times.


Mike McGlinchey - OL 6'7" 265lbs , Philadelphia
http://youtu.be/4aiG8ByzHnA

 Short clip here, three plays. Your probably thinking what the hell can I see in three plays.  Let me tell you, he needs weight.  He is the biggest project of the four I think simply because he doesn't move guys the way the other three do.  He gets stood up in one of these plays by a smaller player.  He has the all the tools to work with and coaching is everything , his frame can't be coached.  He also has another year of high school to grow into that tall body. 


Jacob Matuska - TE 6'4" 220 lbs, Columbus, Ohio

http://youtu.be/5nSZpZYYFLs

Matuska is a nice player, first time I watched his film.  He's getting no competition here.  He's outrunning the whole secondary, out jumping the DB's on fades, yet if you pay attention you'll notice he catches the ball with his hands.  He has a couple nice blocks also, pretty much manhandling the opposition.  This is a kid who could flourish, he doesn't look to be challenged by these other kids.  I know what league he plays in and it's not full of studs, but he looks to be one.


Corey Robinson - WR 6'4" 195 lbs, San Antonio

http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Corey-Robinson-commits-to-Notre-Dame-1103522

Yes this is my sleeper.  This video is not a game situation and there are no pads on either but please tell me you see what I see.  Watch his veteran move off the line, quick, his hands are deadly, watch him smack those corners hands down with authority, this DB stands no chance.  Robinson looks like a NFL WR in this film.  He runs strong, tight routes and his hands are soft.  He kills the press coverage and does a great job of cutting his routes short against soft coverage. He absolutely glides when running, very controlled  and  soft upper body. In one clip he comes out of his route just in time for the ball to hit his hands and he doesn't miss a step.  He can run, jump and uses his big body to shield dB's off.  I love this kid and cannot believe he isn't higher than a three star recruit.


James Onwualu - WR/RB  6'1" 185 lbs , St. Paul Mn

http://youtu.be/TMxQS9PCt2g

 Well, Onwualu does some good things on the field, decent vision and speed.  He's not the total package by any means.  Not big or physical enough to play RB and uses his body to catch the ball on a couple tough throws in this clip, just makes you wonder how much confidence he has in his hands in clutch situations.  To say the least, I'm not very impressed with his skills, he's not close to being a game changer.  Has potential to be a possession receiver but doesn't look to be much more than that.


Rashad Kinlaw - RB 6'1" 180 lbs , Absecon, NJ

http://youtu.be/ghAo1HYOrDg

Sometimes it's hard to judge a QB's RB skills because it's a totally different running situation.  Kinlaw looks much bigger than 180 lbs and runs bigger also.  He is the best athlete in all these clips which is why he is playing the QB position, they want the ball in his hands at all times.  He does show good RB instincts, he's quick and fast and isn't timid about hitting the hole's quick.  He will need size and still has another year to grow before hitting campus.  Kinlaws athletic ability is at a higher level than Onwuala in my opinion and if RB isn't his primary position he does have the ability to play elsewhere.


Malik Zaire - QB 6'1" 190 lbs, Kettering, Ohio

http://youtu.be/3Nyd6LSCBtU

 This kid makes great throw after great throw in this film.  I was thinking I was going to see a run first pass second type of QB here, that wasn't the case.  I said Kyle Kempt was the best QB in Ohio for 2013 but I'm not so sure after seeing these highlights. It doesn't take a genius to see the details of why I am thoroughly impresses by this young man.  I will let you in a few, when the ball hits his hands from the initial snap, he gets the ball up by his ear and ready to release.  His footwork in his drops are quick and controlled, his eyes down field.  Watch his presence and poise in the pocket,  immature, young QB's will tuck and run if the pocket starts to collapse quickly, not Zaire, he gets rid of the ball to an open receiver.  Look at the throw on the run at the 1:00 mark, look at the 45 yd dart he throws at the 1:15 mark, right over the hand of an outstretched safety and in front of the cover man.  The next pass is a 10 yd out that is perfectly thrown and a pass that only a handful of high school juniors can make.  At 2:12 mark, that's a tight window folks, at 3:23 mark, looks off two receivers to find a third one wide open, at 3:38 mark, he escapes the trouble in the pocket with ease and keeps his head up and eyes downfield.  This kid is beyond his years.