Michigan Thursday: Practice Notes and How That Relates To Rudock

Jimmy has been letting many former Wolverines watch and attend practice.   Marcus Ray went on the radio to discuss some of things he has seen.   I will also relate some of that information to why they might be looking to sign Iowa Transfer QB Jake Ruduck who is expected on campus today and Friday.

Practice Notes:

QB's

• Morris is still trying to rely on his arm strength but does seem to run the offense well.  Having issues with accuracy.
• Speight has good touch and throws a nice deep ball.  Struggles with middle throws.
• Malzone is holding the ball too long but is a good athlete, struggling from the pocket.

WR's/TE's

• Brian Cole has been called out a few times and should see the field this season.  Has nice top end speed.
• We have also heard good things from Darboh,Ways and Drake Harris.
• Jake Butt continues to impress this spring.
• Poggi taking some snaps at TE

OL

• Sounds like Kugler and Bars are taking snaps at center. 
• The line is really developing well under good coaching.   Guys that are stepping up this year include the likes of Kalis, LTT,  Bushell-Beatty, Dawson, and Magnusson.
• Cole and Braden seem to be the top tackles.
• Less Zone Blocking this year, so the RB's know where the holes are going to be
• Depth should not be an issue on the line this year even with the loss of both centers. 

RB

• Ty Isaac is a bit banged up this spring
• Green has looked better and really hitting the holes

DL

• Is really starting to gel and could be very good by seasons end
• Willie Henry and Chris Wormley are really excelling under the new staff.

Secondary

• Is very good and will be the strength of the defense
• Peppers is as advertised now he is healthy
• Dymonte Thomas was having a good spring but is now injured.  Hill is taking his reps.

LB's

• What I expected to be a strength of the team is struggling right now.   Bolden and Morgan are struggling with reads and coverage.  
• Ross and RJS are doing well off the edge with their athleticism
• Ross has played in the middle some

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Now to the Jake Rudock update:

• Is expected to be on campus today or Friday for a visit to A2.
• He has not been offered but Boise State is also interested
• The Big Ten would have to approve a in-conference graduate transfer and a decision is expected soon.
• Iowa has granted his release and Michigan is a team he can sign with

From the practice reports, you can see why Michigan might be interested in Jake.  He has two years playing experience in the Big 10, 60% completions and good TD to Int .ratio.     Having Jake start could give the other guys another year under the Harbaugh system and could give Morris the red shirt year he truly needs (depending on who the #2 QB is).    Hearing all the guys are struggling with accuracy and being in the pocket seems to be a Rudock strength.   I like the idea of a "game manager" that completes his passes, doesn't turn the ball over and allows our RB's to gain some yards. 

We have a NFL TE and sounds like our WR's are ready to make an impact.  I want a guy that can get them the ball!

• There also seems to be some momentum in another graduate transfer as well.   Weber State and Australian-born punter Blake O'Neill is expected to sign with Michigan as another graduate transfer.   He averaged 44 yards per kick last year and that average would have ranked #2 in the Big Ten.  He has one year to play and could be eligible right away.