Sunday, May 27, 2012
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, ...
Saturday, May 26, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
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.
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.
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