I have been wanting to do this write up since signing day but I had to wait for some final commitments to happen. When I started scouting for "FORBES" back in 2007, my focus was on players from central Ohio and the next year moved to the Columbus City league. During that time I became familiar with the top players in Columbus and my interest in evaluating had me searching scoutingohio.com for the top talent in ohio. Ohio's 2012 class has 14 players from in-state and I have been watching film on those kids for a couple years, I am familiar with all of them and their game. Another reason for comparing these classes is this, you should always worry about the enemy. If you don't think I have been watching ohio's recruiting class all season, your wrong. I don't care what anybody says about "why are you worried about ohio so much"? They are the rival, the enemy, and most importantly, who you should gauge Michigan against in recruiting. These are the best recruiting classes both these teams have assembled in the same season that I can remember.
ohio - One week before urban meyer was hired, Adolphus Washington committed to ohio. Everything changed after that, meyer accepted the job and put on a recruiting clinic. before he got to campus ohio was ranked roughly 25th and nine commitments later they sit anywhere from 3rd to 5th in the country. They filled some needs at DL, OL and DB.
Michigan - Michigan received 20 of their 25 commitments before the 2011 football season even started. That is why the last five months have been so boring in the recruiting process. With that said though, they answered depth issues with OL, DL and LB's.
I am going to go through each unit, evaluate each player and then tell you which team I think gets the nod at that unit. Obviously this is my opinion but I will explain why I like and don't like certain players regardless of star rankings. I will explain why my opinion of a kid is that he is over or underrated also. This is an evaluation of talent out of the 2012 class coming straight out of high school. There is no way of me predicting which of these players may not make it to campus this fall or who the dummies are who will never make it because they won't attend class either. Then there is the kids who have never been pushed as hard as their going to be this spring and will fall through the cracks. I talked about this the other day, I will repeat it, there are 50 kids between these two classes and very good classes at that. Four years from now there will be roughly 30 still in school, 12-15 will be productive players and 8-10 will go pro. That is today's college football folks.
HERE WE GO
we will start with offense
QB's
ohio
Cardale Jones - 6'5" 225 lbs, Glenville
http://youtu.be/BkVbh5dzGZk
I think this is a huge pickup for ohio. He has had a whole year to set and mature at Fork Union. He committed for 2011 and with the transfer of Taylor Graham and Guiton not really being a feasible backup, Jones has a chance to see action this year. If anything happens to Miller they need someone to be able to step in and not lose a step. Jones can sling the rock and shows he has touch and a rifle both. He rolls out well to both sides and is athletic enough to run if necessary. One of the details I like about a QB is the way he can sell a fake on a play action, this is overlooked but important for buying time and freezing the defense, Jones does it well. I wouldn't be surprised if meyer puts a package in for him in some of those non-competitive games to get him some experience early.
Michigan
There was no focus on a QB with Denard going into his senior yr, Gardner having experience, Bellamy as a third option and the fact that they have blue chipper Shane Morris coming in next year.
EDGE - ohio
RB's
Michigan
Drake Johnson - 6'1" 205 lbs, Ann Arbor
http://youtu.be/P15gEI5EGz8
Johnson is one of those kids that had the ridiculous numbers in high school and was also a track star. He's a 3 star recruit by scout, rivals and 247 and I agree with all of them. He shows good speed and the ability to get to the corner but isn't very physical for his size and his change of direction isn't on par for a top notch player. Maybe RB coach Fred Jackson can implement some good direction to make him a productive player for the future.
Dennis Norfleet - 5'7" 165 lbs, Detroit
http://youtu.be/prLLifss1Bw
This was a nice last second pickup for Michigan, a signing day surprise. Norfleet's 4.3 speed, vision and agility are those of a top D1 prospect. Unfortunately his size keeps him from being an every down back at the college level. He is actually a 4 star prospect by all sites and he shines in 7 on 7 tournaments where catching the ball and running in space is focused on, he is great in that aspect. It's hard to keep a kid like that off the field.
Sione Houma - 6'0" 215 lbs, Salt Lake
http://youtu.be/4CSmLyx8Q6E
I like this kid simply because he committed way back and he just played football, you didn't hear any crap about him all season. He wanted to go to Michigan, made the decision and is a kid who will do anything for the team. He is slated as a FB, he is athletic and has good speed and hands. He thrives on blocking and will probably gain some weight and become a full time blocking back at Michigan.
ohio
Brionte Dunn - 6'1" 220 lbs, Canton Glen Oak
http://youtu.be/xh0MHPn_g-Q
When ohio and Michigan were fighting over this kid I truly believe the focus wasn't on talent but more on "who's going to win this kid over"?. I don't like Dunn very much and think he is overrated. He is strictly a north - south runner and he has been clocked as slow as a 4.7 in the 40. He doesn't have the speed to get the corner, his vision is skeptical also - he seems to run directly into people or piles at that. His receiving skills are less than par, has battled injury and is fumble prone. This kid is a 5* 4* 4* by three sites and wasn't invited to any all-American games? He is strong and runs hard, he has also enrolled early but my opinion is he doesn't fit meyers offense either. The highlights are right up there, go look for yourself, there is absolutely nothing explosive about his game, and there should be with his type of hype.
Warren Ball - 6'2" 215 lbs, Columbus Desales
http://youtu.be/ZR5qfFoLDPU
Warren Ball is the best RB in Ohio, period. I believed that the first time I watched his highlights and I am more convinced of that today. Everything I don't like about Dunn I like about Ball. His feet never stop moving, great vision and quick for a big back. Another positive about ball is he can catch the ball out of the backfield or in the slot, he is versatile and can be lined up in different formations.
EDGE - ohio
WR's and TE's
Ricquan Southward - 6'1" 190 lbs, Lakeland Fla.
http://youtu.be/9RpCT1DgiUg
This was meyers first commitment as ohio's coach. He went down to Lakeland, a place he owned when at Fla, and picked Southward up in a way of saying "I'm back, come see me in ohio". Just my opinion, getting his foot back in the door at that school. As far as Southward goes, he is a good sized WR who is athletic and if you notice does more than just line up at wide out. He looks to be good in space and fit meyers offense, he seems to use his body to catch the ball and questions his own hands.
Mike Thomas - 6'4" 205 lbs, Fork Union VA
http://youtu.be/wGBFo6qJA9U
Thomas is a huge target with good hands and does a great job of adjusting his body while the ball is in the air. He lacks separation but has the size to out jump a smaller corner. His routes are a bit slow and need tightened up. He is another kid who hasn't played in a year being at Fork Union. ohio needs WR's and a big target helps out.
Frank Epitropolous - 6'3" 195 lbs, upper arlington, Ohio
http://youtu.be/z44MBumwCzk
Any kid from UA that gets an offer from ohio goes without hesitation. Frank E is a hell of an athlete with a 40 in the 4.4 range, good hands, and the best punter in Central Ohio. They have him penciled as a WR because he isn't physical enough for safety. In the open field he shows great speed but lacks toughness and
top WR skills. Don't be surprised if he ends up a full time punter if WR doesn't work out.
TE
Blake Thomas - 6'4" 240 lbs, Cleveland St. Ignatius
http://youtu.be/_OukjHOD038
Thomas is the best receiving TE in ohio because he is such a mismatch for safeties and LB's. His ability to get in the secondary and find openings makes him an underrated TE in my opinion. Only a 3* recruit, Thomas is a decent blocker who can lineup in the slot and as a wide out if necessary. It's pretty impressive to watch a TE run the bubble screen also. He has great potential with blocking skills, good hands and speed to get open.
MICHIGAN
Amarah Darboh - 6'2" 200 lbs, Des Moine
http://youtu.be/B5ZrtSB8lpU
This is a great fit for Michigan, big body, 4.4 speed and hands to go with it. Darboh runs great short routes, very quiet upper body and can stop on a dime. He is big and physical enough to cause corners problems in press coverage and smart enough to find holes against the zone. He shows great signs of being productive at the next level, being able to out jump defenders and the versatility to run screen plays and make people miss in the open field.
Jehu Chesson - 6'3" 175 lbs, ST. Louis, Missouri
http://youtu.be/y64PkHcuhrM
I don't know what it is but I like Chesson more than Darboh, he is taller and is smoother off the line it seems. What stands out to me is how athletic he is, even more than Darboh. Chesson looks faster on film and runs away from people as well. They are both huge pickups for Michigan.
TE's
Devin Funchess - 6'4" 205 lbs, Farmington Hills, Michigan
http://youtu.be/WHXgs6ju0E4
Funchess is a top ten TE in the nation and maybe the most athletic. At only a little over 200lbs, he looks more like a WR but is slated as a TE and has the best hands out of both units. Funchess possesses rare skills for a kid that size and has the ability to be "great" one day. He will need to add significant weight to line up on the strong side of a college OL, but his receiving skills are unmatched by many and his long stride and YAC make him a potential nightmare for defenses.
AJ Williams - 6'6" 260 lbs, Cincinatti
Having a hard time copying Williams highlights. Go to scoutingohio.com if you want to see this blocking clinic he puts on. He is the total opposite of Funchess, he is a blocking TE and actually played LT his senior season. I think he could play OT with his length and footwork but Michigan is set on him playing TE. Williams does a great job of using his leverage, getting a defender off balance and running them 10-15 yards before planting them into the ground. What is so impressive about AJ is during his interviews, he talks about doing whatever the coaches want him to do, what's best for the team. You kind of get this impression that he loves blocking and does a great job getting to the second level and overpowering LB's. He is a coaches type of player.
EDGE - Michigan
OL
MICHIGAN
Blake Bars - 6'5" 275 lbs, Nashville
http://youtu.be/k8_XtLLAeoI
Bars is a sound run blocker who plays at good pad level. He isn't overpowering but doesn't have a problem tying his man up and playing til the whistle blows. I don't know where he fits in the OL, some of these 3* kids end up being surprisingly good because they are smart and coach able. Bars fits that mold but will need some weight to play guard, I question if he is athletic enough for tackle.
Ben Braden - 6'6" 319 lbs, Rockford Michigan
http://youtu.be/DtZjIS9INQg
The massive Braden was Michigans first commitment for the 2012 season. My opinion is that Braden is also a massive project. For such a big kid, he has a problem moving smaller players around. He also needs work with his pad level, awareness and leverage. He seems confused on blocking skills and should be driving people 30 yds down field at his size. I understand why they recruited him, I'm sure they know he's a project but his frame can't be coached.
Erik Magnuson - 6'6" 275 lbs, Encinitas, CA.
http://youtu.be/Rx34qIl372U
Erik Magnuson is one of two All-American on Michigans OL haul for 2012. He is a true LT , great in pass protection and run blocking. One thing that stands out is the way he pass protects coming out of a 3 point stance, he's not cheating up in a 2 point. Another positive of his game, he has nice technique off the snap with the way he sets up and gets on the inside of the jersey. A basketball player as well, he is another OL that plays til the whistle and has the nasty attitude to go with it.
Kyle Kalis - 6'5" 305 lbs, Lakewood, Ohio
http://youtu.be/rOly-urn72I
Kalis is Mr. Controversial with his decommitment from ohio and then committed to Michigan with the help of good friend Tom Strobel (strobel is a SDE commit for Michigan). Kalis is a high school football player who had an NFL body at age 16. Believe the hype with Kalis? Watch the highlights, he finishes every play by getting off of some kid he has just buried into the ground, he doesn't waste his time helping them up either. He plays like that all the time, he is an absolute bully on the field. Kalis will move from tackle to guard at the next level and barring injury, he should be playing soon. Kalis was the best OL in ohio this past season and maybe the year before also. Thrives on finishing plays and will be a RB's best friend in the near future. Kalis was an All- American.
Dan Gibbs - 6'7" 305 lbs, Seaholm High Michigan
http://youtu.be/xFXXjqpGKvg
Gibbs is another massive, violent OL that Michigan coaches adore. Yes, Gibbs lower body is very stiff and his footwork is unorthodox but his upper body strength is above average. There is something different about his feet, the way he runs is awkward, I don't like it to say the least. With Kozan still being on the fence between Michigan , Iowa and Auburn, this isn't a bad pickup at the last minute.
ohio
Jacoby Boren - 6'2" 273 lbs, Pickerington , ohio
http://youtu.be/0P_S0sQrrFE
Jacoby is listed at 6'2" 270 lbs, I have stood beside him and he is 250 lbs tops. I personally think he is the second best center in ohio behind Huber heights Lovell Peterson. Jacoby has excellent C skills, he gets out and can pull, gets to the second level with quickness ( it's impressive to pull from the center position). He also is athletic and strong, plays low because he is shorter in stature. With all that said, I don't think he is big enough to deal with 300 lb DT's and predict he may move to FB or LB. Meyer claims he doesn't redshirt kids and he needs weight, so a different position is more suitable.
Pat Elflein - 6'3", 270 lbs, Pickerington, ohio
http://youtu.be/mTbuPpYRAzg
Another one of Fickells kids he recruited and you can tell. Look, before meyer was there, ohio's class was in the mid 20's and this kid is one of the reasons why. He isn't a bad player but he isn't big or athletic enough to play tackle and not physical enough for an interior lineman. Maybe meyer can work and make him a quality player but his skills are not of a top OL.
Joey O' Connor - 6'3" 285 lbs, Windsor CO.
http://youtu.be/zcz6IBrs_kA
I love the way this kid plays. He has a thick lower body, when he gets his opponent where he wants and gets his feet moving, it's a wrap. He does a good job of standing his guy up and getting under him, it's textbook. Then there is the fact that he plays violent and til the play is over, playing til the whistle blows is a huge plus for players, shows effort which is a sign of work ethic. Looks like a nice OG or maybe even a center with that build.
Taylor Decker - 6'8" 285 lbs, Vandalia, ohio
http://youtu.be/4g7k1USsWrE
Decker is huge and moves a pile. One of only two pro typical size LT's in ohio this last season and a last second flip from ND. Has potential to play on the left side but I will talk about that next. Decker is a bit of a work in progress considering he plays against inferior competition and his height is too much I think, let me explain. A kid that tall may have a problem with shorter DE's getting in his chest with his pad level being so high. Never the less, Decker is no chump and shows nice pass protection skills. He is a good pickup and meyer has plans for him somewhere on that line, left or right tackle I'm sure.
Kyle Dodson - 6'6" 310 lbs, Cleveland
http://youtu.be/SUVBrC77w-w
This is the reason I don't think Decker plays on the left side. Dodson is , in my opinion, the best LT in ohio. He has size, strength, athleticism and wingspan. Those are the tools of a quality LT and the reason meyer fought so hard and succeeded at flipping dodson from Wisconsin. He could see time early if he gets that nastiness and motor needed for the position. He is a specimen and could actually hold more weight, as soon as the strength and conditioning coach gets a hold of him, he will be something special to deal with.
Here is how I look at this and my opinion. Kalis and Magnuson are the two best lineman of both groups and Bars is a sound player. Braden and Gibbs both need work but are massive at 6'7" and over 300 lbs. There is also the chance of adding Alex Kozan by the weekend. Dodson has the potential to be very good and Decker has the tools to be a quality Tackle also. O'Connor shows the effort and nastiness of a true OG or C and in my opinion is the gem of their class. Comparing Boren and Elflein to Braden and Gibbs. Boren has the mechanics and skills but lacks the size and Elflein is just a body. Gibbs and Braden need work but have the NFL size. In that case.
EDGE - Michigan
DL
ohio
Noah Spence - 6'3" 240 lbs, Harrisburg PA
http://youtu.be/Uc_kFOFhRmQ
I didn't realize how much Spence played on the strong side. He is fast, quick, strong and his hands and footwork are elite. Does a great job of shedding blockers and just keeping his man at a distance with his strong hands. His game isn't just limited to outside rushing, he has a great inside move, causes turnovers and just completely a menace in the backfield.
Adolphus Washington - 6'4" 240 lbs, Cincinnati Taft
http://youtu.be/VIY1Ez22ohA
Washington is an athletic phenom, an AAU basketball player as well as football star. Good size, great strength and fast. He plays in a city league where great coaching and facilities are less than satisfactory. With a strength and conditioning coach, great facilities and elite coaching, Washington has future All - American potential. Just ask 6'9" 320 LB blue chip LT Zach Banner, who at the Army All-American
looked like he was tied to a tree trying to deal with the likes of Washington.
Se'von Pittman - 6'4" 260 lbs, Canton, ohio
http://youtu.be/bbOraeJWwEE
I watched Pittman play on TV during the season, he has blown up to about 270 lbs and plays with a chip on his shoulder. Closing Speed? if you don't know what it is, watch Pittman chase QB's from behind or put his hands up and just devour em. He's a nightmare with his length and long strides approaching a QB at full speed, they have no chance of completing a pass at that point. He is tough against the run also, his bone jarring hits and massive arms make it very difficult for RB's to get through his side of the line.
Jamal Marcus - 6'3" 245 lbs, Durham NC
http://youtu.be/DJMJBjUd3ko
Marcus has gained size since these clips. This is a great example of why star ratings are off at times. Marcus is ranked a 3* star player by more than one site, no way, he's a 4* easy. Fast off the ball and if he over pursues a play, he goes back to clean up his mess. He never gives up on plays and always seems to get to the QB. I have seen other clips of Marcus and he is also disciplined, follows the ball and doesn't bite easily on play actions and read options. Underrated player in my mind.
Tommy Schutt - 6'3" 290 lbs, Glen Ellyn, Il.
http://youtu.be/nl1fstXulj8
Schutt is a load and plays at great pad level, very low and strong legs. He is also athletic for his size, lines up at DE at times and just powers his way through blockers and gets down the line well. His downfall is dealing with big OL, he struggled at the Army All-American Game against top notch Lineman. Doesn't demand the double team a big DT should.
MICHIGAN
Willie Henry - 6'3" 270 lbs, Cleveland Glenville
http://youtu.be/1XNveNDm9So
Henry runs like a LB and weighs 270 lbs. Does an exceptional job of keeping his head up and being aware, even when he is battling in the trenches. Stays with the play and chases ball carriers until the play is over. He is a true DT and his strength and surprisingly nice technique at times let's him battle with the best of them in the middle. He played some good competition at Glenville. A last second pickup for Michigan.
Matt Godin - 6'6" 265 lbs, Detroit Catholic
http://youtu.be/WE61BqIpDYk
Godin has the ability to tie his man up and get rid of him at the last second to make a play or just push him aside and get in the backfield. Very good at understanding his gap and filling it, if it's open then he wreaks havoc on the QB. A lean 265 lbs and will probably play the 3 tech, he is athletic, tenacious and a bit of weight will make him a problem for other teams.
Ondre Pipkins - 6'3" 320 lbs, KC, Missouri
http://youtu.be/WbW2XiKvyg0
An Army All-American standout getting rave reviews all week in San Antonio, Pipkins is the epitome of a prototypical DT. Also the fact that he ran down Stefon Diggs on a bubble screen tells you about Pipkins ability. Constantly dealing with double teams and proving to be too much for the opposition. He's a space eater, gap filler, a great reason to punt instead of going for it in short yardage situations. Future Michigan LB's will love the way he opens up the whole middle of the field for them to roam and make plays. Pipkins has a great opportunity to play early with his size and lack of quality DT's in Ann Arbor.
Mario Ojemudia - 6'3" 220 lbs, Farmington Hills, Mi.
http://youtu.be/PL5F4q1qgyQ
Ojemudia plays much bigger than his actual size. His hands are extremely quick, his ability to shed blockers and penetrate the line are on an elite level. He rarely misses his target and hits hard with sound tackling skills. He also runs well in pursuit, just an excellent DE. What I noticed on one play was the way he got into the backfield by eluding three would be blockers, he simply keeps their arms from raising up on him to slow him down.
Chris Wormley - 6'5" 250 lbs, Toledo Whitmer
http://youtu.be/rx0w4w1ex2Y
Wormley isn't the quickest off the line but has good speed when he's able to stretch his legs out in the open field. Also, he has been known to take a few plays off, but he is huge, strong and unblock able against a bigger, slower RT. When he hits a pile it seems people fly everywhere. He can play on either side but looks to be more of a SDE dealing with the running game and some RT-TE double teams.
Tom Strobel - 6'6" 265 lbs, Mentor,Ohio
http://youtu.be/hzBQp3ai06s
Personally, Strobel is one of my favorite recruits for2012. I had a short conversation with him about why he chose Michigan, he is a high character and classy young man. He said his recruiting trips were focused on what kind of man Michigan would make him and not much football at all. Academics were a a huge issue and his parents were very verbal about that. It's hard to not like a kid like that and he is exactly what Michigan recruited for 2012. Blue collar, high motor, violent hitter, and work ethic, Strobel epitomizes all of them.
EDGE - MICHIGAN
LB's
MICHIGAN
James Ross - 6'1" 215 lbs, Orchard Lake, Mi
.http://youtu.be/12yw1gnRL8I
It's no mystery why Ross is ranked a top three MLB in the country, he's a tackling machine with 179 and roughly 120 solos on the season. Ross doesn't creep up on RB's , he hits them at full speed. What else do you want from a MLB? He has the cover skills to play OLB but his compact size and hitting ability combined with the fact that he racks up so many tackles make him a solid MLB. Should get some time this year and when Kenny Demens departs, an experienced James Ross should be prepared to take over.
Royce Jenkins Stone - 6'2" 215 lbs, Cass Tech, Detroit
http://youtu.be/OlhNIxndegc
RJS is ranked as high as the no.2 ranked MLB in the country. I think he is raw and needs coaching but his speed and athleticism is potentially off the chart. He is a bit overrated to me, yet he does have some good attributes to his game. He seems to think too much and is a little hesitant. Those things can be fixed but athletic ability is god given, he has it and fits more of the OLB mold in my opinion.
Kaleb Ringer - 6'1" 225 lbs, Clayton, Ohio
http://youtu.be/Rg2xTmdTqeQ
Ringer is a bit underrated in my opinion. He has a knack for finding the ball carrier in high traffic areas. A very strong tackler and understands his responsibility of his gaps. Drops in coverage decent also, his size screams MLB and I think that's where he will buy for time. Michigan has become loaded with LB's and Ringer will have to work hard to be a part of a great unit.
Joe Bolden - 6'3" 230 lbs, Cincinatti Colerain
http://youtu.be/swO9Ir79Dvo
I said this the first time I seen Bolden on film and I will say it again "Joe Bolden is the best LB in Ohio". He was raved about by coaches all week leading up to the UA All-American game. Bolden doesn't waste steps or wait on the opponent to figure things out, he knows what he is going to do and does it. He's great in coverage, reads the QB exceptionally well in zone and can stick TE's and Rb's with ease. Bolden is athletically gifted and football smart. With all due respect, Bolden is the best LB from both these teams and one of the most mature and polished players I have seen of any player in the country. He is the only LB from both hauls that can play SLB, MLB, or WLB. He doesn't have many flaws and is an early enrolee, look for Bolden to make an immediate impact.
ohio
Josh Perry - 6'3" 225 lbs, Olentangy high, Galena, Ohio
http://youtu.be/O0a9n7g_gtM
Perry is a big, athletic OLB who can run and chase guys down. He seems to me that he takes bad angles and makes most of his plays down field. He needs to get more physical but with him being such a good athlete, he can be coached into a productive player.
Luke Roberts - 6'2" 225 lbs, Lancaster, Ohio
http://youtu.be/4X5FgcVrxg8
Roberts looks to be a fundamentally sound and blue collar type of backer. Does a great job of getting to the ball carrier before he gets to the open field and goes to make the tackle instead of waiting for the opponent to get to him. He is a good tackler, wrapping up his target, and avoiding blockers. Runs well and defends sweeps and stretch plays before the RB gets the corner.
David Perkins - 6'2" 210 lbs, South Bend, Ind.
http://youtu.be/T_2RdpJ2Pkw
Perkins has that will and desire that coaches long for. He's a beast coming off the edge and looks to be quicker than the RB's. He's not having a problem getting to them before they get to the hole or blasting the QB's in the process of their roll outs or option plays. Great speed, good athlete and hunger, has that awareness also.
Camren Williams - 6'2" 200 lbs, W. Roxbury Mass.
http://youtu.be/g72MGNGhaB8
Nice OLB prospect, good cover skills and sideline to sideline speed. Needs a little size and has some SS qualities. Nice athlete who fits Meyers plan for a fast swarming defense. A guy who can run with slots and RB's in space.
EDGE - MICHIGAN
DB'S
ohio
Tyvis Powell - 6'3" 180 lbs, Bedford, Ohio
http://youtu.be/fUbeasZJMbM
Safeties and corners are the toughest to evaluate on film unless you have a wide screen clip. They are constantly in and out of the picture. With that said, Powell obviously has the ability to play FS and CB. There are times where he is 15 yds off the line of scrimmage and can get up for run support. That is good reaction, knowing the pass isn't coming and the RB is headed your way. He has that awareness and physical play that is a plus from the safety position. Looks to play the cover 2 and man to man equally well.
Devin Bogard - 6'1" 190 lbs, Cleveland Glenville
http://youtu.be/o-_ABGUX-7w
I could have showed a four minute clip but I showed this short one for a reason. This is a perfect example of a player that is so impressive, you only need a hand full of plays to understand the skills. Bogard is an absolute stud. Good size, very physical, hard hitter, makes plays in the backfield all from the SS position. One of those talents you want to just let roam the field and let him do what he wants. Plays like a LB but even more impressive with his speed and the way he just closes on ball carriers like a quick snakebite.
Armani Reeves - 5'10" 185 lbs, West Roxbury, Mass.
http://youtu.be/KCf1rjgLFg4
Reeves has been recruited as a CB, because , well..Cb's are the best athletes on the field. Armani Reeves is used to being the best athlete on the field and has the cover skills to go with it. Watch him come off his man and eat that screen play up on that first defensive play, then he lays a lick on him for good measure. My question is, how do you not let him play offense? This kid is electric in space with the ball in his hands. His 4.4 speed is very clear on that first KO return, he gets the corner at the last second and turns up field with about six inches between he and the sidelines, impressive. Urban Meyer has to let this kid touch the ball at some time, I'm betting sooner than later.
Najee Murray - 5'11" 172 lbs, Steubenville, Ohio
http://youtu.be/M22ciLgmvx8
"THE STEUBENVILLE NIGHTMARE" This kid is the one who is under the radar, yes he is a 4 star recruit, but he isn't talked about often. Does he not do anything well? He is the most violent 180 lb DB I have seen since Chuck Cecil, OK, maybe that's stretching it, but he looks to have opposing players crawling off the field after crushing blows. Then there is the plays where he just comes flying into the film clip and into the backfield to knock some poor sap 3 feet in the air. He covers well and has the make up speed to fall behind on slants and still get a hand in to knock the ball out. Like Reeves, he has that offensive side as well. His routes are as good if not better than any WR on here, he is quick off the line and hits top speed in just a few steps. Watch the separation he gets from the corners and safeties. His most impressive skill is the way he slips past the LB's and into the secondary with no time for reaction from the defense. Just exceptional ability to get open with unbelievable quickness.
MICHIGAN
Terry Richardson - 5'9" 165 lbs, Cass Tech, Detroit
http://youtu.be/tt04Y5FAGp0
Richardson is arguably the best cover corner in the Midwest. Classic field corner, wide side of the field against the best receiver, a very dangerous place to be and defines the term "on an island". There are only a few kids that can turn-n-go on his level, he has the ability to hit that zone where he starts to run the WR's routes before they do. He's always making plays on the ball and not the receiver. He struggled a bit at the UA All-American game on special teams but Michigan has plenty of return guys. He's very quick but his straight line speed isn't that impressive, he runs a 4.5 but actually looks a bit slower in pads.
Allen Gant - 6'2" 205 lbs, Sylvania Southview, Ohio
http://youtu.be/Coj1X4FpwMU
Gant's old man played at Michigan and that always plays a part in the recruitment process. Not that Gant is a slouch, he has good speed and makes plays on both sides of the ball. He doesn't blow my mind but sometimes that's not what makes a good college player. He is a high character kid that won't flirt with trouble, looks to be a SS and has the size to play the position.
Jarrod Wilson - 6'2" 190 lbs, Akron, Ohio
http://youtu.be/bXXwuz2LsMM
Wilson was the top FS in ohio last season. He does a super job of reading the QB's eyes and his break on the ball is truly at a top level. He's always around the deep ball and gets his hands on more of them than most WR's. Another of his positives is he is deadly with the ball in his hands, a pick 6 isn't out of the ques
tion.
Jeremy Clark - 6'4" 195 lbs, Madisonville, KY.
Can't find Clark's highlight reel. At 6'4", Clark runs a 4.47 40 and DC Mattison said he seen something special when he camped at Michigan. I'll take his word for it. I did see a clip a while back of Clarke and he could be the steal of the class being ranked so low, small offer list and playing against inferior competition leaves you off most blue chip rosters. Excellent reason to show you belong, you can play at that level. It will be interesting to see how he progresses in the spring.
EDGE- ohio
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