Saturday 12 November 2011

Halftime Review (Updated for post game)

Got to be happy with the defense, they have been truly dominant for two quarters there against a talented Illinois offense. But our own offense is seemingly holding us back by turning the ball over in FG range. The game should be out of Illinois' reach already, and yet they are only down 14-0 at the half.

Michigan's offense started off very well with Fitzgerald Tousiannt gaining nice yardage and Robinson running in a couple TDs. But then Illinois just starting selling out on the run, and yet we still called run plays on first down.

Denard has made some nice throws, it's just these negative yardage plays and turnovers that are killing us. I've also got to question the play calling in key situations. On the 4th and 1, personally I'd kick a field goal just to keep the momentum going forward. Either that or I would have run it out of a stronger formation, not 3 WRs when the defense KNOWS you're running the ball so they don't have to spread.

Post game review:

The second half wasn't really an improvement offensively. Michigan started poorly with the injury to Denard, and Devin didn't really look too comfortable in there. The defense showed up again in the 2nd half and J.T Floyd came up with a great play to make the interception; he deserved to run that back for a TD, shame he couldn't.

Towards the end of the game Devin made a couple nice 3rd down conversions through the air, one of which was a big touchdown pass that really iced the game. So props to Devin for that, but really Michigan still has a long way to go offensively.

Player of the game: This is a tough one. I thought Mike Martin and RVB played REALLY well together on the DL, and they had like three or four sacks between them. Fitzgerald Tousiannt obviously had a good game, but for me MVP has to be J.T Floyd. The INT was a real momentum changer, and he was very strong against A.J Jenkins in one-on-one coverage. I don't think Jenkins ever truly 'beat him' on a play.

Looking ahead: Nebraska will be tough, but I like Michigan's chances at home. Taylor Martinez could be hard to stop on the option though.

56 comments:

  1. Agree we need to get rid of all recievers and bring lineman and two fullbacks as lead blockers and just have Denard take the snap and follow blocks... If not him have Fitz take the snap... But not spread... Your blog is amazing but is there a way to get live chats during games?

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  2. What has happened to our offense?! 14, 16, 17 in 3 of our lats 4 as it currently stands. I am petrified this is where our offense completely goes in the tank. Our plethora of missed opportunities in the 1st half has Illini comeback written all over this game. I am hoping for the best!

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  3. And receive it! That touchdown is a breath of fresh air.

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  4. Days like today I am happy to be wrong. And I was wrong. I will not doubt UM the rest of the year.

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  5. Reason they started shutting us down is they brought pressure for 3/4 of the game. They said it a lot, but they really were daring us to throw, and Gardener finally stood in the pocket and made them pay. It was beautiful, and it was bound to happen. I kept waiting for them to burn the blitz, just wish I didn't have to wait until the late 4th quarter for us to keep their front 7 honest.

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  6. My two cents
    DR made some really good plays throw the air and a couple of bone head plays as well. But all and all played well.

    DG realy looked like a freshmen. Then after the 3rd and goal run to set up the FG it looked like the lights came on alittle. The TD pass was fine very fine. Looing forward to the future with him.

    The O linemen need to add weight. Looked good in the first half got oushed around in the second half. I have faith in the coashes to add the weight next year.

    The Deffence played lights out most of the game. Should have been a shut out.

    Both Floyd and countess played very well. Just don't know why Floyd plays 10 yards off the line?

    Gallon played well on punt returns.

    Red zone offence needs to improve for the next 2 weeks.

    Still I am very happy with the game.

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  7. I don't know if everyone remembers my comment before the season started, but I went out on a limb, and said that this team would win b/c of the defense. I know it sounded crazy at the time, but I knew we had the athletes, and with GM running the show, there was going to be huge improvement. I also said that our offense wouldn't be that good. Our offense struggled mightily down the stretch last year, and I thought it would more of the same this year. It's not just one thing on offense, there are a bunch of things that are off. Bad play calling, poor blocking, terrible qb play, we could go on and on. The fact of the matter is that we're stuck with this kind of offense for at least one more year. I truly don't think we'll see any improvement from DR from this year to next. He's been behind the wheel now for almost two years, and has regressed if anything. I totally agree that the line needs to gain some serious weight. I do think that they'll be able to do that in the off season. I love our running back situation, and hopefully, we'll be more of a running back oriented offense next year, ala Wisconsin. Great win today, but we owe this one to the defense.

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  8. Brandon i disagree... Its his first year in this system and other than his one horrible throw ive seen huge improvment from week 1 either way i think offseason will be good for our players... We will gsin muscle and weight and think both qb's will improve... Either way i dont think we beat Alabama but we will greatly improve! Either way i think every part of our team has got better! Makes me happy!

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  9. I was unable to watch the game :( How did Countess play?

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  10. lalond...the whole secondary played pretty well considering Illinois' capabilities on offense. Floyd saw most of the action since he was covering Jenkins. Exactly half (17) of 34 Illinois passes went to Jenkins and he only caught 8 and didn't have any really big plays. Floyd did have a nice int that he almost took for 6 the other way that set up one of the last Michigan scores and really put then nail in the Illini coffin. Countess played pretty well, but that D played awesome today and I think someone else mentioned that it really could have been a shutout. The offense was another story besides a couple of good drives in the first half. However, Michigan put up 31 points, but with as many chances that they had they could have put up almost double.

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  11. Brandon I agree with you. The offense has gone backwards. Aside from FT, just about every aspect has regressed. Play calling is horrible. Denard looks like a deer in the headlights whether he is throwing or running. O line looks good at times, but overall gets man handled. The defense on the other hand has gotten better each week. Next weeks game makes me a bit nervous. Nebraska will be prepared for our offense. Having to practice against martinez has been beneficial. Offensively they'll have more power up front. I look for a low scoring game. Ill take the wolverines 19-13. More red zone troubles, but the kicker comes through.

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  12. DR didn't run well and the only reason he looked okay passing was the fact that they handed off to Fitz 20+ times (thank god, finally).

    Gardner looked good, considering he was pressured into runs, etc. He came in with a close game and a gunning D that was playing 7 in the box and people say he looked like a freshman? His throw to Odoms was just another example of a play I don't see DRob ever making. Instead, I see the throws that go right to a defender. We're lucky Robinson got hurt, or he would have thrown a pick six in the fourth.

    His "injury" allowed Borges to stick with Fitz and the power game. I hope he's injured next week and cannot play. Fitz reminds me of Biakabatuka, and I want to keep feeding him the ball.

    Next week: UM 27- UN 21.

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  13. professor....i agree with you DG makes throws DR cannot make but i would never go as far as saying were lucky DR got hurt or i hope he stays injured.... regardless of where DR plays we still need DR in the game somewhere. I do agree though that we need to keep feeding Fitz the ball and i believe we finally found our go to back and that is such a great feeling.

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  14. Denard stay hurt? Devin making great throws? He threw one good pass... He only completed 40% of his passes and hasnt looked good in past! Devin is NOT the answer. I watched Devin a couple weeks ago run 10 yards past line of scrimmage and then throw the ball. Both DG and DR make dumb plays. DR made some really nice passes last night rolling out. He did throw 1 dumb pass but so did Gardner in only 5 pass attempts. Gardner is NOT the answer at all and untill shane morris comes you better get use to DR at QB unless DG gets a lot better in offseason. DR has a lot to do with a 8-2 record. But yes i cant wait for morris to get here. But im tired of DG is the best comments... He's not that good...

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  15. I am with you completely Hail,
    DG looked lost at first, and while yes, he made a good pass, he still didn't do a lot to prove he deserves to be in the discussion for the starting job.

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  16. I remember how lost DR looked his first year. I also remember DR saying his freshmen he was put in the game and would forget the play. And DR has had two more years of playing time then DG. So before you judge a player remember that.

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  17. I'm really starting to worry about Denard. He has regressed so badly that I'm willing to bet you see more Gardner the next two games. I think Hoke is slowly starting to warm up to Gardner.

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  18. so any recruiting news from this weekend? I heard Laquan Treadwell was at the game. Does anyone know what his reaction was? also was their any other Illini visitors at the game that are also interested in us?

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  19. Not to knock on you @Hail but you said DG only made one good throw yestreday? That was one more than Denard threw. Denard played 2 1/2 quarters yesterday and had 2 scoring drives,1 int and should have been 2,and 2 fumbles. Gardner played around 20 mintues and had 3 scoring drives and ZERO turnovers. I'm not say Gardner is the answer but to just dismiss this as stupid is just plain stupid.

    I hope Denard turns it around and stay's the starter but sadly for every good stat you wanna throw out about Denard I can show you the countless turnovers and his HUGE struggles against good defenses.

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  20. @Bendy: I was told last night that Treadwell did NOT go to the game. I'm also hearing that Dunn was none too pleased with OSU "effort" yesterday.

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  21. DenArd was 6-10 and threw some real nice passes rolling out. Yes this is denards First year as a qb. Last year he did not have to make qb reads or make qb drop backs. He knew one read where to throw. Bubble screen or wide open reciever streaking down the field. Thats not playing qb when you rush 25-30 times a game so yes this is in my opinion DR first year playing an actual qb. He threw for 60% last night. And sorry for both qb's are o line can not pass block so both qb's were rushed hard but Devin has made just as dumb of plays in less chances. And i dk if devin wld have played at all last night if DRdidnt get hurt. Either way i just think so many get caught up in DR second year where its not and DG gets all this hype for doing nothing.

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  22. you can't judge one quarterback that has played for 3 years to one that has played in a handful of games. Devin hasn't made any mistakes that Denard hasnt. I'm not going to argue who should start and who shouldn't.All I'm saying is the gap between them isn't very big. Also Devin had just as many good throws yesterday as Denard. That TD pass was beautiful and so was his 3rd down pass to Hemmingway.

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  23. So they win a game you picked them to lose and you're dissapointed? A game in which they dominated their opponent on their home field. The offense put up 31 points against a very good defense on the road. More than any other team has scored against them and the defense played very good. Anytime you can force a team to punt with a minute left in a game they're losing is a good thing.

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  24. Jer-I am totally aware of that, that is WHY I say he doesn't need to be in the discussion for starting. He is a solid back-up and I think you misread what I was saying completely.

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  25. As for the DR/DG talk going on, the offense switched to the prostyle which is more suited to DG. DR is more of a big play guy than DG, I don't care who starts, because they'd obviously prove themselves to the coaches, and if the coaches are sticking with DR obviously there's a reason. There shouldn't be much of a discussion about it. If DG starts, that because the coaches think he'd give UM the best chance to win, but he isn't...end of story.

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  26. I am leaving this argument alone.

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  27. I have trust in the coaches and I'm behind whoever the quarterback is. I love Denard and want him as the QB but if he was a good QB Devin wouldn't be getting the playing time he does.

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  28. Setting aside the offense, how about this defense that Mattison has turned around. Just about a miracle. They are getting better every week. I was hoping for an 8-4 season. Now we have a chance for 10-2. Hoke and coaches have done a fabulous job. And the recruiting is going way better than any of us would have thought. So quit your bitching and be happy where we are at!
    Go Blue!!

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  29. Nobody's bitching but ok. Go Blue

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  30. Seriously the DR/DG debate needs to stop. People need to realize DG didn't get in the game until DR's throwing hand slammed against a defender's helmet. What does that tell you...if the coaches didn't HAVE to put DG in they probably wouldn't have. I know this is going to be really difficult for people to deal with but it's the truth. He didn't really get any PT until DR was forced to come out. DG is very average for a starter and the way the Illini defense was playing yesterday in the red zone it was very difficult for us to score on them. It's funny how all of the announcers that commentate on the games who see and study film a lot more than probably most of the people on this blog still say Michigan needs DR to start. The guy who does the announcing says the same thing...actually these announcers and experts LAUGH at the people who suggest that DG should be the starter and not DR. So Michigan is 8-2 in a TRANSITION year when their starting QB is learning new offense and new footwork and people still complain...it's all just laughable...If the coaches didn't think DR was progressing enough he wouldn't be playing...you can bank on that.

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  31. Worm- DG honestly probably wouldn't have played if DR didn't get hurt. I am happy with the results of his play, but its not like they split playing time 50/50...I am through talking about this though, it gets a little ridiculous haha. Hopefully a solid road win like the one against Illi. helps work wonders with recruits, and 50/50 on the road is really good compared to where this team was the last 3 years.

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  32. Jared I couldn't agree more...this topic is getting very old and played out. It serves no purpose and I said the same thing...he didn't play until DR got hurt. They didn't even use the formation with both in the game, which was very interesting. After reading/hearing interviews with the coaches I don't think they've been liking the results and have been using it too much. It kind of seems like something they do against early season opponents to make late season opponents like Nebraska and Ohio have to use up time prepping for. I think the success this year is nice...but what's even more important is that when hit with adversity this team hasn't given up unlike year's past. Even if they lose the last 2 games, which could happen because both teams have tough D's, an 8-4 record in a transition year with players that don't fit the offense really says something about the future progression of the program. Very exciting times for the program all things considered.

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  33. I didn't realize yesterday was the first time Gardner has got in a game. There is a reason gardner has played in almost every game this year. I'm not saying Gardner should be the starter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It just stupid to act like Denard is the end all be all at QB. Denard has SUCKED at QB this year.Yes he is great at scrambling around but from what a QB does,he has been lousy. AGAIN I"M NOT SAYING GARDNER SHOULD REPLACE HIM,I'm just stating a fact.

    On a side note I kind of wish treadwell would have went to the game yesterday. I think it could have only helped Michigan.

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  34. Worm I would think so too about Treadwell...I would think that Illinois would be one of our competitors for him early on and it would only help to see what he'd have to go up against for the next few years (Countess) and our defense is only going to get better in the coming years. Just think for a minute about what Mattison has said...he hasn't had enough time to implement his full scheme...this is only the tip of the iceberg. Once the players on D get more experienced, he's going to be able to add more blitz packages, etc. BTW, DR is not the answer at QB this year, but it sure would be nice for people to have some patience to see what he does after a FULL YEAR in this offensive system. Cade McNown had a similar horrible experience in his first year in the system and his 2nd year he was lights out. Let's all be patient...after all this is a transition year. They really don't get enough practice time to have immediate success/comfort. People need to be more reasonable with the offense. They've had a revolving door in the backfield until the last couple of weeks and there has been no real flow to the offense until the last half of the Iowa game and parts of this game. There are going to be ups and downs...we just need to stay patient and allow the coaches to stay the course.

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  35. @akmed I agree on Treadwell.I think Illinois was going to be a player for him but I still think he is blue thru and thru. As for DR I totally agree. I think he can come back nest year with a full year in half with this staff and be really good. Look how much he improved from year one to year two with RR. But if he doesn't improve like he should,Gardner will be ahead of him then in a passing aspect.

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  36. I actually think that DG will have a hard time seeing the field after DR leaves too...his fundamentals aren't exactly that good either...

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  37. Yeah but it will be hard for a true freshman Shane Morris to come in a take the job. Beside DG's fundamentals are not any worse than Denard when he doesn't set his feet. His arm punts are killing us.

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  38. For people that don't want to talk about the Qbs you talking alot about the QBs.

    As far as Treadwell goes ND is making a strong play for him.

    OU has entered the picture for Diggs.

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  39. Chad Henne came in as a Freshman and started for four years...it's hard but not unheard of. DG's recognition is not that great and Morris will be coming in with a better arm and more of a blank slate so to speak when it comes to learning a new offense. All I'm saying is that I don't think it will be handed to DG, no questions asked.

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  40. OU has been in the picture for Diggs I think...Jer did you see a more recent article on this. ND has been making a play for Treadwell too...

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  41. Its on Scouts but I don't have a membership to read it.

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  42. I really,really hope Shane doesn't come in and get the job. Nothing against Shane but I'm sick of freshmen starting qb's here lol.

    OU getting in the mix may be a bad thing for UM. Nothing against UM but if I'm the #2 WR in the country I'm going to the pass happy OU and not the run,run arm punt that is UM right now. I still believe he ends up Blue tho

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  43. anyone know which commits are enrolling early?

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  44. I seem to remember hearing that Kalis,Magnuson,Standifer,Gant,Bolden may enroll early. I am sure I am wrong on some of these guys.

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  45. I know u dont like freshman starting but did Henne enroll early? And worm would you want him to start if he enrolled early? I think our coaches are so good at teaching that when DG is a senior he is going to be a star. And Morris wont have chance to start. I heard Morris say on twitter a lot of sources say he's over rated... I dk much about Morris? Is he that good? Or does he play weak competition? And i want everyone to know i dont mean to upset people if i do about DR and DG. i just love this blog and hearing other thoughts so if i upset you im sorry! Next question do you think any freshman will come in next year and make a big impact? Our recruits are nice but our defense is young and getting better every week!

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  46. @Hail I dont think Henne enrolled early but I maybe wrong. I would perfer Morris to redshirt to add some weight and learn the play book. He is a really good quarterback and could come in and play. The coaches are smart enough tho to play the right guy.

    @Jer thanks.I wasn't real sure who was coming in early.

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  47. Hail,
    Pipkins can get some early playing time. Maybe a couple of Lbs and S may play as well.

    Worm,
    No problem. That was a guess for a month or so ago.

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  48. Best case scenario:

    Next year (2012) Denard comes in vastly improved and takes command of the starting role. Devin also comes in improved and him and Denard push each other to be better (extremely important).

    Year after that (2013) Denard graduates and Devin by this point is an extremely potent QB. He is the starter and Shane Morris is allowed to redshirt, which will help him tremendously for the rest of his career. This year we are almost totally Pro Style.

    Year after that (2014) Either Devin is granted his medical redshirt that we are supposed to have applied for him for the 2010 year (does anybody know the status of this?), and he is a strong senior QB leading us, or if he is not granted the redshirt then Morris takes over as a redshirt freshman after a year of sitting back, improving, and learning the system, putting him in a great position to succeed.

    But above all!!! Regardless of the QB position, this has been a Michigan team that has exceeded most of our expectations that we had for them at the beginning of the year, especially for the defense. As for the offense, give it some time. Once upon a time, Al Borges coordinated an undefeated Auburn team. He knows what he's doing. Things all around are definitely looking up.

    Go Blue!!!

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  49. I do think looking ahead that Michigan can slow down Nebraskas offense enough, I am concerned about our offense, though. Really don't know what to say that hasn't been said already, but despite our two great first quarter drives it seems to be getting worse. That said Illinois has one of the best pass rushes in the country and Nebraska is a tad banged up.

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  50. @Michael what concerns me is NEb running outside on us. With Burkhead running straight at us the defense must stay in there lanes and make sure TMagic doesnt fake a hand off and break outside for a big gain. Thats the only real rushing yards Ill. got on us.

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  51. I picked us to lose against Illinois because of the option... Other than 4th quarter we did real well on option read and if im right Nathan's big runs where when frank clark was playing Defensive end. Now im not making excuses but roh and ryan seem to be much better disciplined. I think that if our front four play like they did sat we beat Nebraska. Our front four caused problems all night! I hope GM blitzes a lot with a spy on martinez. Our corners proved they could cover jenkins one on one and Nebraska doesnt have one of them players!

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  52. @Hail good point about Frank Clark. I think Ryan may end up the best LB at UM in a long time!

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  53. TomVH said Diggs will visit in December.

    says he likes that Countess (HS teammate) is getting early time and knows he can get early time as well.

    cross your fingers!

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  54. Sweet!! Thanks @Lalondtm!! what a shot in the arm Diggs would be next year with Stonum coming back too!

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  55. Just want to throw in on the thought about treadwell possibly seeing his future competition(countess). He would also be facing his current teammate (standifer) and from what i have heard they are good friends. I believe him wanting to play with his buddy at UM will help in the recruiting just like having countess will hopefully help in recruiting Diggs.

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  56. found this and was kind of interesting on possible position changes.

    When Michigan received the commitment of Lyndhurst, OH DE Pharaoh Brown, many were excited purely by his measurables. At 6″6, 220 pounds, Brown has the athletic ability to be a terror off of the edge on defense.

    We knew Brown was a great athlete because during his junior year he played quarterback for his high school team. In fact, he looked more like a dual-threat quarterback than a defensive end.

    At numerous camps and scrimmages over the summer Brown played wide receiver and tight end, where he was a huge mismatch against cornerbacks and linebackers. This fall, Brown moved to tight end, where he excelled. There was rampant speculation amongst Michigan fans that Brown may move to tight end, and according to our good friend Tim Sullivan over at the Wolverine, Brown has asked the Michigan coaches if he can play tight end in college and they’ve agreed.

    In my mind this is a huge move for Brown; when he arrives on campus next year Brandon Moore will be a senior, Ricardo Miller will be a redshirt sophomore, and that will be it as far as experienced tight ends. Now, fellow 2012 classmates Devin Funchess and A.J. Williams will join Brown, but Funchess is built more like a receiver at this point and Williams may be bound for offensive tackle.


    Allen Gant could project at safety or wide receiver at the next level.
    As far as other positional changes for the 2012 recruits, I think Safety commit Allen Gant could get a look at wide receiver as well next fall. While he has the build of a strong safety or even outside linebacker, Gant has excelled at receiver for the past two seasons. Last week he had 9 catches for 158 yards in his team’s season-ending loss.

    At 6″2, 200 pounds, Gant is more of a possession receiver, but if he can show the receiving skills he has shown in high school at the next level I think he definitely deserves a look at receiver, especially with Michigan’s depth at safety and lack of depth at receiver.

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