GoDeepHammer
12-18-2008, 06:50 AM
I found this on UMgoBlue.com
Though the Wolverines employed 11 true freshmen in 2008, they still managed to redshirt a significant number from the class. Among the 12, we take a look at the five most likely to impact next season …
Redshirt Freshman
2009 Argument
J.T. Floyd
Cornerback
The most we saw of Floyd this year was at practice, hustling through plays as part of the scout team. The talented cornerback, though, could become a vital member of the defense in 2009 as the Wolverines seek to fill the defensive backfield with more athleticism and speed. Floyd fits the bill on both. The 6-0, 190-pound South Carolina native possesses natural cover skills and a desire to get physical. He could win a role as U-M's nickel back in a five-man set.
Patrick Omameh
Offensive Tackle
Posed the question throughout the fall, Michigan's veterans continued to cite Omameh as the potentially biggest breakout performer in 2009. Listed at 6-4, 260, the Columbus, Ohio, native is pushing 280 pounds presently and is one of the weight room's most dedicated workers. Blessed with outstanding athleticism, Omameh is the ideal left tackle in Rich Rodriguez's spread offense. However, he is still extremely raw and will have to beat out three veteran tackles -- Steve Schilling, Mark Ortmann and Perry Dorrestein -- for the starting nod.
Terrence Robinson
Wide Receiver If not for a leg injury in pre-season practice, Robinson might have challenged classmate Martavious Odoms for top billing among the freshman offensive skill players. Though he lost the opportunity for experience, the 5-9, 170-pound Texan did benefit from his redshirt campaign, learning how to become a better receiver (hands, route running, blocking) after spending his high school career at quarterback. Robinson should push for playing time in the slot next year but competition will be fierce with Odoms and a slew of arriving true freshmen.
Brandon Smith
Safety
Smith probably wasn't going to play anyway, but surgery to remove a ruptured appendix midway through the year officially earned him a redshirt. The 6-3, 210-pound New Brunswick, N.J., native is the ideal safety/linebacker hybrid and could be lethal in run support, blitzing from all angles and laying out receivers as they cross the middle of the field. But how will he fare in coverage? Smith has to overcome diminished expectations after Michigan's current safeties, including the similarly-compared Steve Brown, struggled terribly in 2008.
Ricky Barnum
Offensive Guard
With depth a concern, Michigan's coaches entertained the idea of playing a true freshman along the offensive line this past fall and Barnum was the best bet to have his redshirt lifted. The 6-2, 265-pound Lakeland, Fla., native showed early in camp he could play guard or maybe even center. A four-star recruit, snatched out of Florida's grasp at the last minute, Barnum could force John Ferrara or Tim McAvoy out at left guard with a strong offseason. Like Omameh, he might be a better fit in the spread offense, but he's down a year of experience to both returnees.
Staff of TheWolverine.com Consensus: A few votes here, a few votes there for Omameh, Robinson and Smith. Here's the rub -- all five could play significantly because of a need. U-M returns three offensive tackles, but not one of the three proved without fault in 2008 and Omameh is more athletic than any of them. The offense needs playmakers and Robinson is sure to add a burst of speed, elusiveness and home-run ability every time he touches the football. Smith could be the answer at safety or at the very least could be a playmaker in special packages. Barnum and Floyd might have larger roadblocks at their positions but every job will be up for grabs after last season's 3-9 disappointment.
Though the Wolverines employed 11 true freshmen in 2008, they still managed to redshirt a significant number from the class. Among the 12, we take a look at the five most likely to impact next season …
Redshirt Freshman
2009 Argument
J.T. Floyd
Cornerback
The most we saw of Floyd this year was at practice, hustling through plays as part of the scout team. The talented cornerback, though, could become a vital member of the defense in 2009 as the Wolverines seek to fill the defensive backfield with more athleticism and speed. Floyd fits the bill on both. The 6-0, 190-pound South Carolina native possesses natural cover skills and a desire to get physical. He could win a role as U-M's nickel back in a five-man set.
Patrick Omameh
Offensive Tackle
Posed the question throughout the fall, Michigan's veterans continued to cite Omameh as the potentially biggest breakout performer in 2009. Listed at 6-4, 260, the Columbus, Ohio, native is pushing 280 pounds presently and is one of the weight room's most dedicated workers. Blessed with outstanding athleticism, Omameh is the ideal left tackle in Rich Rodriguez's spread offense. However, he is still extremely raw and will have to beat out three veteran tackles -- Steve Schilling, Mark Ortmann and Perry Dorrestein -- for the starting nod.
Terrence Robinson
Wide Receiver If not for a leg injury in pre-season practice, Robinson might have challenged classmate Martavious Odoms for top billing among the freshman offensive skill players. Though he lost the opportunity for experience, the 5-9, 170-pound Texan did benefit from his redshirt campaign, learning how to become a better receiver (hands, route running, blocking) after spending his high school career at quarterback. Robinson should push for playing time in the slot next year but competition will be fierce with Odoms and a slew of arriving true freshmen.
Brandon Smith
Safety
Smith probably wasn't going to play anyway, but surgery to remove a ruptured appendix midway through the year officially earned him a redshirt. The 6-3, 210-pound New Brunswick, N.J., native is the ideal safety/linebacker hybrid and could be lethal in run support, blitzing from all angles and laying out receivers as they cross the middle of the field. But how will he fare in coverage? Smith has to overcome diminished expectations after Michigan's current safeties, including the similarly-compared Steve Brown, struggled terribly in 2008.
Ricky Barnum
Offensive Guard
With depth a concern, Michigan's coaches entertained the idea of playing a true freshman along the offensive line this past fall and Barnum was the best bet to have his redshirt lifted. The 6-2, 265-pound Lakeland, Fla., native showed early in camp he could play guard or maybe even center. A four-star recruit, snatched out of Florida's grasp at the last minute, Barnum could force John Ferrara or Tim McAvoy out at left guard with a strong offseason. Like Omameh, he might be a better fit in the spread offense, but he's down a year of experience to both returnees.
Staff of TheWolverine.com Consensus: A few votes here, a few votes there for Omameh, Robinson and Smith. Here's the rub -- all five could play significantly because of a need. U-M returns three offensive tackles, but not one of the three proved without fault in 2008 and Omameh is more athletic than any of them. The offense needs playmakers and Robinson is sure to add a burst of speed, elusiveness and home-run ability every time he touches the football. Smith could be the answer at safety or at the very least could be a playmaker in special packages. Barnum and Floyd might have larger roadblocks at their positions but every job will be up for grabs after last season's 3-9 disappointment.