Since this is Ohio State week everyone and their brother are "chiming in" about everything Michigan and wants wrong with the program. Let me dispel one thing here quickly. The offense is not the problem. Yes, they have struggled at times but in a year or two these guys could be un-stoppable. The 2010 Wolverines with a defense = 2010 Auburn Tigers (without the $$ controversy). End of story next topic.
Recruiting is another topic. Yes, it could have been better on defense and mostly with some big guys on the defensive line. With that said, Michigan has had a top 10 class every year RR has been here.
Defense is the big issue and everyone knows it. So how is Michigan going to be better? Well, first off Michigan has played a lot of young players this year and they will only improve with their experience. Michigan will also get back 5th year CB/Safety Troy Woolfolk next year, Junior CB JT Floyd and Michigan is developing some "Beef" on the defensive line with 320 pound Richard Ash, 315 pound Quinton Washington, and "putting on weight" Terry Talbott.
That is the short term fix, long term you improve your team through recruiting and Michigan is in on a number of defensive All Americans that are still left on the board.
Army All Americans
#1: Kris Frost- would like a chance to play WR but Michigan needs him at LB. Kris seems to have Michigan and Auburn as his leader. I think Michigan has a great shot at this young man and they need him.
#2: Avery Walls, CB/Safety - who has been to Ann Arbor a couple of times. Avery seemed to be a very strong Michigan lean until he visited Oregon which "started to make him think" about his options. He hasn't been involved in recruiting the last few weeks due to some family issues, but I continue to expect the Wolverines to recruit him hard to Ann Arbor.
#3: Blake Countness, CB - is fairly new on the Michigan radar but the Wolverines have already made a big splash. Blake hasn't been to A2 yet but he has the Wolverines near the top of his list with Georgia Tech. Blake grew up a Michigan fan so getting him on campus soon will be key in getting Blake in the 2011 class.
#4: Tim Jernigan, DT - Is a big time DT prospect out of Florida. Tim continues to keep Michigan in his top 5 when many experts don't expect him to leave Florida or the South. Tim would be a huge catch for the Wolverines but it seems un-likely.
#5 Ray Drew, DT: Similar to Tim above, Ray has interest in the Wolverines mostly because of his friend Avery Walls. Ray hasn't been to Ann Arbor and if he doesn't visit, there isn't much of a chance him becoming a Wolverine.
Under Armour All Americans:
#1 Hasean Clinton-Dix, S: Is probably the best safety prospect in the country and is already committed to Alabama. He has been to Ann Arbor once and is planning another visit. Michigan's wild card in this situation is Dee Hart which is his best friend. If the Michigan coaching staff could bring in another Dr. Phillips player, they might be able to sell Hasean on signing with the Wolverines and keeping the best players from his high school team together.
#2: Karlos Williams, S: Like Hasean above Karlos is a 5 star safety and is committed to another school - Florida State. Karlos is still planning a Ann Arbor visit in January and when you get a prospect on campus you have a fighting chance. One thing to think about: If he wasn't seriously considering Michigan, why would he visit in January when it's cold? Maybe he hasn't seen snow before.
4 Star Guys Just Outside of those All Star Games:
Anthony Zettel, OL/DE - Is an instate guys that had always considered Michigan his top school. He is currently doing some other visits to Penn State and just got back from Iowa.
Deion Barnes, DE - Has Michigan in his top 5.
Darin Cooper, DT- Has Michigan in his top group. Planning a visit this winter.
Mikey Johnson, DT- Has Michigan in his top group, doesn't have a visit planned yet.
Wayne Lyons, S - Michigan will get one of his official visits next weekend 12/3.
My Take: I think the above list is pretty impressive but I would like to see Michigan in better position with the defensive tackles in this group. I also think Michigan needs to land at least 2 of the DB's on the above list.
Current Defensive Commits Include:
- Brennen Beyer a 4 star DE
- Greg Brown, a 3 star DB (potential early enrollee)
- Delonte Hollowell a 3/4 star DB
- Chris Rock a 3 star DE
- Kellen Jones a 4 star ILB
- Dallas Crawford a 3 star CB from Florida
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