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Coach's Corner: 2015 Michigan Football and the Future

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  • Coach's Corner: 2015 Michigan Football and the Future

    Posted 6:00am -- 1/2/2016

    Offense:

    I started working on this right after UMs Bowl win. A few things popped up and I just finished. Lets look at how each position group did and how the future looks.

    QB- We have talked about Rudocks improvement. It was remarkable. In 13 games he went from a one year filler to a player who will be tough to replace.

    Future- QB position looks in good shape. Question is the immediate future, 2016. One of the things Rudock had going for him was low expectations. I worry that practice reports of O'Korn play will lead to unreasonable expectations.

    RB- An average group gave us average production. This group performed just like we expected. Smith is limited, Johnson still recovering, and Higdon was not ready. Houma actually gave UM a needed short yardage boost and will be missed

    Future- Roster needs a stud RB. Walker is an upgrade, but not an Elliott type player. He still will more than likely get carries next season.

    O Line- Big improvement over 2014. Not great by any means, but at least good enough to allow UM to play with most defenses on our schedule. Biggest issue is Tackle. Until UM gets better play from the tackles the O Line will struggle against better defenses. Replacing Glasgow is not going to be easy.

    Future- UMs 16 line haul is promising. It is imperative this group develops. UM needs an infusion of young, quality linemen badly. Still think UM is basically stuck for the 16 season with what we had in 2015. That includes our 15 RSs. Hoping one the youngsters either pushes a returner or steps up and wins a position.

    TEs- Mixed bag, Butt was outstanding in the passing game and an improved blocker. Still needs to continue growth as a blocker. After that, things got dicey. Williams blocked OK, but is a liability in passing game. No one else was really a factor. Hill made a few plays, but not enough. This group needs improved depth and another TE to step up and make a few plays. Poggi showed promise as a blocker, not not much help in passing game.

    Future- McKeon should help, but roster needs a stud TE. This offense is built for a TE to be a big factor. UM needs to continue a search for quality TEs. One of the youngsters might be forced to play, especially in the passing game.

    FB- The big surprise, UM got more production from the FB in15 than since the Carr era. It gave defenses something else to work on. Blocking was average and must improve. Time for Shallman to step up!

    Future- This is a tough one. FB is a part time player so adding one means one less scholarship for other issues. I expect UM to hit the prefered walk on scene hard at this position.

    WR- If Rudock was not the most improved, Chesson was. He gave UM their 1st legitimate deep threat since Hemmingway. Darbah was a solid #2. The rest of crew were good enough to keep defenses honest.

    Future- UM is bringing in a good group, and it is needed. Depth was not great here. Would not be surprised if a young slot does not see the field as a true freshmen.

    Defense:

    DTs- We have talked multiple times about building your defense from the inside out. Being strong between the hashes. We got a 1st hand example of what happens when you are not strong up the middle. Injuries to Mone and Glasgow greatly reduced the defense. Good news is both return. UM really needs Hurst to have a big off season and be a contributor at 3 tech. Losing Henry hurts!

    Future- Like Elliott a lot and he should be able to RS. UM needs to add one or two DTs in the 17 class. If Gary does end up at UM he has a shot at contributing.

    DEs- This area improved greatly. With the exception of OSU and IU UM front held up well against the run. Wormley might of been the Most Improved defender. Taco shows promise, but his lack of discipline hurts. Either way, neither of these two provides the fast twitch edge rusher UM needs.

    Future- UM has 3 potential DEs on the 16 commit list. I would not be surprised if one of them ends up playing some in 16 if they can provide an edge presence.

    Linebackers- Ouch, what else can be said. IMO the worse position group on the team. IU and OSU absolutely abused our linebackers. All were good character kids, problem was all were recruited to play in under tackle scheme. Speed and athletic ability is at a premium and UM is lacking both.

    Future- UM has 2 athletic linebackers in the 16 class. They might be forced into early action.

    Corners- Lewis was UMs best player last season. He went Mano Mano with every top WR UM played and won more than he lost. The other side is a work in progress. And depth needs an upgrade.

    Future- UM has done a great job of adding quality, large corners prospects. One of them probably has a chance at seeing early duty.

    Safeties- Peppers, enough said, best athlete period. Wilson and Thomas were improved. Overall safety play was a plus and improved , despite Hill getting lost at times.

    Future- See the corners. Harbaugh and staff have done a good job of upgrading overall athletic ability. Would be surprised if one of the young guns does not push for playing time.

    Written by GBMWolverine Message Board Staff — CoachBT

    Go Blue — Wear Maize!


    Twitter: @ErocWolverine
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