Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Breaking News: Justin Turner to Transfer From Michigan

Why can't we have just one week with good news?  Is that really too much to ask?

One of Michigan's highest ranked players in the 2009 class who red-shirted last year has decided to transfer from the University of Michigan.   "[Turner] asked for, and was granted, his release yesterday. We wish him well in his future endeavors," Michigan Director of Media Relations Dave Abluaf announced Wednesday. 

Justin came to Michigan as the best player in Ohio in 2009 and was an Army All American.  He had trouble with academics and wasn't cleared to practice with the Wolverines until 2 weeks into fall camp last year.  Arriving late pretty much guaranteed Justin would redshirt in 2009 even with a serious lack of depth on the roster at both CB and Safety positions.

Justin struggled in the spring at cornerback, as JT Floyd took over the spot left by Donovan Warren leaving early for the NFL.  Still, Michigan fans hoped he would show his nearly 5 star prospect status this year, getting playing time in zone or nickel formations.

One of the signs that #2 didn't have his heart into it was when he showed up to fall camp 11 pounds bigger then last fall.  A guy playing CB doesn't usually need to put on that type of weight.



Impact:  Large.  Michigan can't afford any attrition in the defensive backfield, sure Turner might not have been a starter but with potential injuries and a number of young kids with little to no experience playing, this is a difficult blow to take.    Welcome Cullen Christian and Courtney Avery to a lot more playing time. 

Michigan DB's loses in the last year:
  • Demar Dorsey = Never enrolled admission issues
  • Justin Turner = Transfer due to inability to break into the starting lineup
  • Boubacar Cissoko = Transferred to a different type of Big House
  • Donovan Warren = NFL
That list is a "no fly zone" that never took off.

This also should have an impact on 2011 CB recruiting.  I expect Michigan to take one more CB now in the 2011 class.

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