Monday, December 19, 2022

Michigan Monday: Lots of New Faces in Schembechler Places

Do you ever have a day when you're watching the NFL on your couch and every time you check twitter something major is happening with Michigan Football?  I don't recall the year but Michigan got like 8 or 10 commitments one weekend and the news was non-stop.  Yesterday was like that for me.  If you missed some of the news, you're in the right place! 


Transfer Portal Additions:

  • (from Saturday) Myles Hinton, OT from Stanford.  Myles was always high on Michigan as his brother Chris was having a good experience in Ann Arbor.  He got accepted to Standford and decided that was too good of an option to pass up.  He was a 5 star out of HS and has played a couple years at Stanford.   Reports are that he is still a little raw but has a very high ceiling.  I will take all the Hinton's we can get and let Sherrone mold him into an NFL OT!   (I wish Chris had stayed 1 more year!) 
  • Josaiah Stewart, Edge/OLB from Costal Carolina.  Stewart was a highly sought-after edge rusher with USC and LSU coming on strong for the talented rushers.  He had a fantastic freshman year (12.5 sacks) and a decent (3.5 sacks) sophmore campaign though PFF graded him very high both years.  My guess is he got a ton of double teams this past season.  Michigan always needs speed rushers and he fits a Uche type of role.  Sure, CC is not seeing Big Ten lineman so there may be a bit of a learning curve, but love this guy in the Pass Rush U development factory! 
  • Drake Nugent, Center Stanford.  Please bring me Stanford's entire roster and we will pick and choose the Wolverines!  Your question might be, is this guy good?  Olu's PFF run and block grades were at 80.8, Nugent's is at 80.2.  Yes, please!  Looks like Michigan found a Nugent in the portal!  (Probably too early for that joke!)
Some of you may be concerned about the Michigan offensive line as it is today and guys having eligibility still let.  As I'm sure you already know, this unit was awarded the Joe Moore Award for the 2nd straight year this past weekend.  The coaches have a plan and many guys may elect to head to the NFL Draft after the playoffs.  If not, Michigan has incredible depth and plug and play guys for any injuries.  

2023 Commits:

With signing day now hours away, Michigan put in some work this weekend to cement the class through the transfer portal and through the 2023 class.  

  • DJ Waller Jr. is a 3-star prospect from the same school as Jason Hewlett.  He is 6'3 and 195 pounds and projects to CB or Safety at the next level.  He is not rated highly by most sites but Michigan loves tall defensive backs and DJ is one of them.  It was Michigan and UK battle at the end and Michigan won.  Welcome DJ! 
2023 PWO

  • Jalen Hoffman, TE is a 6'3 220 pounds and was committed to Bucknell.  He hails from Burke, VA and will be joining the Wolverines next season.  TE is a position of need, so Jalen made a smart decision.  With portal and traditional recruiting additions, it only makes sense to have Walk-On news as well.

Another question some of you might have is.........Where are we going to put all these guys?  Aren't we way over the 85-scholarship limit?  With NIL, that limit is no longer an issue.   

  • Max Duggan has declared for the NFL Draft.  I think he should consider sitting out the Fiesta Bowl, way too risky.  😀
  • Congrats to the Ferris State Bulldogs for being back-to-back D2 Champions! 
  • Ohio State lost the #1 player in the 2024 class when former Detroit Lions Offensive lineman's son QB Dylan Raiola decommitted. 
  • Corum was seen at a kids event this weekend on crutches.  No chance he will be ready in less than 2 weeks.  😔
  • The Bowl Games were terrible this weekend.  Rice was in a bowl? Should have been sponsored by Chipotle. 

On Tuesday, I will highlight the 2023 class and make a few predictions.  Wednesday should be another fun day! 

3 comments:

Chowman said...

Unfortunately in 2023 having lots of depth is no longer how it works. If guys don't see an avenue to immediate playing time, they jump in the portal and find some place where they can. I'm sure the coaching staff knows who's leaving and who's staying. the only caution is bringing 3 guys that are being looked at to start, is that going to cause other guys that have been with the program to feel slighted and decide to leave. We don't need to lose any more players to Iowa........I jest! #Butthurt #Sourgrapes

ScottyDoggs said...

That's right about guy's leaving ... they can also feel slighted (hard work with no pay off) .... but balance this with our all-American center who dropped in like "Thor" from the skies, without him we would not be where we are. ... give and take situation.

Blue said...

Harbaugh's current philosophy of NIL money only going to those already established in the program, and now for those portal transfers that have proven themselves at the collegiate level, is looking to be a considerable big win in strengthening the roster!

Going the route of enticing freshmen recruits with NIL $$$ certainly has it's pitfalls, one major one would be that of disrupting the team's current culture/cohesiveness, (money has been know to do that).

Linebacker Hayden Moore has just committed, with CB Jyaire Hill announcement later today.