2019 Season Countdown: #88 Gabe Newburg

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30May 2019
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2019 Season Countdown: #88 Gabe Newburg

Gabe Newburg (image via Wolverines Wire)

Name: Gabe Newburg
Height:
6’5″
Weight:
237 lbs.
High school:
Clayton (OH) Northmont
Position:
Defensive end
Class:
Freshman
Jersey number:
#99
Last year:
Newburg was a senior in high school (LINK). He made 44 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks.
TTB Rating:
72

Newburg was, unfortunately, hobbled by injury as a senior in high school, so it wasn’t the campaign that most wanted to see. But he was still fairly productive in limited action. Watching his junior and senior film both, it seems like he will need some time to add on to his frame. He’s listed by Michigan at 6’5″ and 237 lbs. after enrolling early, but he’s probably shorter and lighter, at least during the season. That size will only get you on the field if you’re extremely athletic, which Newburg isn’t. I do think he’s better than his senior film shows, and I still like him as a prospect, but a redshirt is almost certain.

Prediction: Redshirt

29May 2019
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2019 Season Countdown: #89 Joey Velazquez

Joey Velazquez (image via Eleven Warriors)

Name: Joey Velazquez
Height:
5’11”
Weight:
195 lbs.
High school:
Columbus (OH) St. Francis De Sales
Position:
Linebacker
Class:
Freshman
Jersey number:
N/A
Last year:
Velazquez was a senior in high school (LINK). He made 101 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 7 forced fumbles, and 6 pass breakups; he also ran for 817 yards and 13 touchdowns.
TTB Rating:
82

Velazquez is that rare kid who leaves the shadow of Buckeye Stadium to head north to Ann Arbor. That takes a special kind of kid, especially when there are other options. While he didn’t have an Ohio State offer, there were other schools in pursuit – in both football and baseball, the latter of which Velazquez will also play at Michigan.

This year will probably be a developmental year for Velazquez. Defensive coordinator Don Brown said he could play WILL linebacker, but he’s coming in as a Viper. Michigan has two senior Vipers (Khaleke Hudson and Jordan Glasgow) and a redshirt freshman they’re grooming (Michael Barrett), so Velazquez shouldn’t be needed this season. And while he was listed at 6’0″ and 205 lbs. as a senior, he’s listed by Michigan at 5’11”, 195 lbs., not big enough to play WILL yet. Velazquez has a shot to play some special teams, perhaps, but I full expect him to redshirt.

Prediction: Redshirt

28May 2019
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Nightly Roundup: May 28, 2019

Tyrone Wheatley (image via Detroit Free Press)

Tyrone Wheatley, the new head coach at Morgan State, has a couple Wolverines on his coaching staff: passing game coordinator Derrick Alexander and associate head coach/defensive line coach William Carr.

28May 2019
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2019 Season Countdown: #90 Jess Speight

Jess Speight (image via Twitter)

Name: Jess Speight
Height:
6’5″
Weight:
302 lbs.
High school:
Richmond (VA) Collegiate
Position:
Center
Class:
Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number:
#67
Last year:
I ranked Speight # (LINK). He played in one game and was named Co-Scout Team Offensive Player of the Year.
TTB Rating:
N/A

Jess Speight is best known for being the younger brother of former Michigan quarterback Wilton Speight. But Michigan fans should start to get to know the younger Speight, because I think he might be a contributor later in his career. I liked his film coming out of high school, and being named Co-Scout Team Player of the Year on offense is confirmation that the kid can play. Michigan has Cesar Ruiz for at least one more year, and Stephen Spanellis for two, but Speight could be in line to play if there are injuries or unexpected departures. I wouldn’t expect him to play much this year, but 2020 or 2021 could be breakout campaigns for him.

Prediction: Backup center