Michigan Tuesday: Did Don Misuse Josh?

When I think back at the stars Michigan had on defense a couple years ago, I get sick.  Gary, Winovich, Bush, Lewis, the list goes on.  These guys are playing regularly in the NFL and Don Brown couldn't find a way to win big games while they were at Michigan.

Did Michigan miss another opportunity to have a dominating player?  Josh Uche for all accounts was not blockable during Senior Bowl week.   He displayed that in game and even had a mental lapse when he "two hand touched" Oregon QB Justin Herbert during the first drive, instead of sacking the highly ranked QB.

PFF (Pro Football Focus) yesterday came out with their highest graded performer all week at the Senior Bowl, you guess it:  Josh Uche.   According to PFF Josh had 11 pass-rush snaps and five QB pressures in the game. 

Per SI: According to the scout, “He (Uche) won me over during Wednesday’s practice. He doesn’t have the typical edge-rusher build but likely projects as an outside 'backer who can sustain pass-rushing downs in certain situations." The talent evaluator added, “Loved how explosive his lower-body movement showed up in individuals. Great bend. They’ll call him a tweener in every draft profile you read, but he’s so versatile that every NFL team could find a role for a guy like this."

Draft experts are now saying Josh probably jumped up a round from the 3rd to the 2nd round with his Senior Bowl week performance.

Don used Josh all over the field as a SAM LB at his time at Michigan, which lead to some pretty good numbers.  Josh finished his career with 16.5 Sacks, with 8.5 coming last season.  He also had 11.5 tackles for a loss and 2 forced fumbles during his senior year.

So now the question remains, should have Josh been lined up more at DE?  During the Senior Bowl your not able to blitz, so when Josh rushed the passer he was in the traditional DE position.

If Michigan is going to improve, it has to put its best players in the best position to win games.   The Wolverines have done a very poor job of that on both sides of the ball during the Harbaugh rein.

• Michigan Basketball is imploding due to injuries, poor play, and bad decisions.  Zavier Simpson has been suspended by Coach Howard for breaking team rules tonight against Nebraska.   The length of the suspension is still unknown.   Just like their run through the best teams in the country in the Bahamas, I didn't see this coming either.  

• With the final signing day next week, Michigan fired off a late 2020 offer to 5'11 175 pound athlete Chayce Bishop.  His offer list includes Vandy, VA Tech, Purdue, Northwestern, Memphis, Mizzu, and Ball State (where his dad played).   He is ranked a 3 star and the #87th athlete in the country.   As you can tell, Chayce is not a DT or OT but does seem to be a good student.