Just some Michigan Football stuff

Michigan Pre-Spring post.

Come on by the GBMW Message Board

Hopefully now the obsession with Pep and Drevno can at least take a break.

1) Defense.

I heard they are considering a couple of changes to defense next year. One has to do with Gary, who they would really like to move around. Don Brown wanted to do this last year, but they just felt they were not getting enough production from the backups at SDE.

With another year of development of Kemp, a healthy Jeter (who could really be a big asset to defense), and incoming freshman from Hutch and Welschof, the SDE position now has additional depth that may enable Gary to play multiple positions.

Secondly, we may see some more 3-4 schemes mainly because of our depth and athleticism at LB. It has been a long time since Michigan has had so much talent at the LB position and Don Brown wants to find a way to get these players on the field.

2) Incoming freshman.

I think majority of class red-shirts (which is good), but I think the following see the field.

Hutch.
Welschof.
VanSumeren (special teams).
Haskins (I know most will disagree), but he is a big back something Michigan lacks and if he show ability to pass block, he plays.
Sims.
Michael Barrett.

3) Of all those listed above, JH seems to really like Michael Barrett and believes he will cause trouble for defenses with his versatility. Of course that will mean some major changes in our offensive approach which JH claims there will be.

4) Offensive Line

I keep hearing one of the main competition will be between Hudson and Spanellis. If Spanellis shows he is easily one of the top five OL, then they move Bredeson out to OT. If they feel Hudson is ahead of Spanellis, then Bredeson stays inside.

I have also heard JBB has been attending workouts. If so, and he develops some leg strength (which has been his major weakness) then he just may end up being our RT which means if Bredeson does move out to OT it will be LT.

5) Speaking of play calling.

I was really hoping with Shea Patterson coming to Michigan and McCaffery in the wings that Michigan would implement more of a system in which the QB would have the ability to call plays at the LOS. I know this would be a major change in scheme, but word is they really think McCaffery at least long term is going to have that type of ability.

6). Also heard the two pet projects of S&C staff this off-season continues to be Mone and Owenu. Some believe both are key to 2018 season.

7) Safety is going to be interesting to watch this spring.

I continue to hear good things in off-season about both Woods and Hawkins. Woods especially could be much bigger by spring.

8) The one player coaches really think was underrated and believe is going to be a big time player once he develops and gain some strength is Sammy Faustin.

9) While most keep talking about Ross, Anthony, Uche, Singleton.

I was told not to forget about Gil. I just think Gil is a physical run stopping type player, but the others are more athletic and versatile.