There is nothing like the first game week of the year, everyone is un-defeated with dreams of championships and bowl games dancing in their heads.
Today I am going to make some predictions on outstanding players this year:
Top Position Group on the Team: Offensive Line. This group has experience, depth, and talent. A weakness the last two years has finally become a strength. What to watch: Look for the young guys to make a difference and get a lot of playing time (Taylor Lewan and Patrick Omameh)
Who will be the QB? Tate Forcier. Some of you might have just fallen off your chair. Recent reports have him as low at 3rd string this fall. Denard has greatly improved and the word from camp is that Devin Gardner might be the starter before year end. Here is my take: Michigan can't afford another first year starter, which they have had the last two years. I expect Denard to play and play a lot and it really doesn't matter who starts. The problem with Denard is he doesn't have a lot of experience reading defenses at QB. He is electric and can score with his feet or his arm at any time, but still needs more experience throwing the ball. With two options at QB, I think it would be a big loss if Devin doesn't redshirt this year. Having that year to learn from the sideline and in practice is so important to a young talent like Devin. My pick to get the most playing time at QB: Tate Forcier.
Who will run the ball? Doesn't Matter. I think RR and staff want 3-4 guys that can step in and play. I think Michael Shaw is the most talented back but we still don't know if he got his grades up during his summer courses. Fitz Toussaint is banged up again and Vincent Smith is quick but coming off an ACL and I'm sure they will limit his carries this year. Mike Cox has a ton of potential and I look for him to step up his game up this year.
Surprise Player on Offense: Kelvin Grady, I expect him to make a difference in the slot and getting some touches out of the backfield on reverses and sweeps. He is now a full time football player and ready to make a difference. (Mike Cox is a close second).
Surprise Player on Defense: Jonas Mouton. JM is a senior and I expect a big year for a linebacker that has had an up and down career at Michigan. I expect to see him on the edge as a speed rusher and get a number of sacks this year.
True Freshman of the Year on Offense: Stephen Hopkins, look for him to get a number of short yard runs. He is a big back and could score a lot of touchdowns or get a number of first downs.
True Freshman of the Year on Defense: Jibreel Black. You could pick a number of guys to win this award like: Cullen Christian, Courtney Avery, Marvin Robinson, and others. The reason I didn't pick a DB is because they are going to be learning on the job and will look good at times and terrible at other times. All JB has to do is hit the QB or stop the run. The coaches loved this guy out of Cincinnati and I think he is going to make a difference on the Dline.
Offensive Player of the Year: Darryl Stonum, I expect him to get the ball deep at WR and make a big difference in the kick off return game. He is in the best shape of his life and is ready to have a big year.
Defensive Player of Year: Mike Martin, is probably the best player on defense with the loss of Troy Woolfolk for the year due to injury. Mike has the experience and talent to be a force on the defensive line and stopping the run.
Now to more news and notes.................
- RR has his first game week press conference today. Should get updates on Mike Shaw and any injuries.
- Stephen Threet seems to be the starter at ASU.
- 2011 Visitors for this weekend: It seems Dee Hart could not be coming this weekend. He had not filed all the paperwork for an official visit with the NCAA Clearinghouse. The latest rumor is saying the visit is back on and will be bring his 2012 QB and his top rated safety. Other visitors include: Daren Kitchen a 6'1", 175 pound CB from Louisiana and a number of Michigan verbal commitments.
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