Posts under: Blog

2019 Season Countdown: #89 Joey Velazquez

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

Nightly Roundup: May 28, 2019

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.

Thankful for an invite to the 2021 Under Armour All-American Game!!! #UAALLAMERICA #WEWILL @DemetricDWarren @TomLuginbill pic.twitter.com/0r5MbsnxJE

— J.J. McCarthy (@jjmccarthy09) May 28, 2019

2019 Season Countdown: #90 Jess Speight

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

2020 TTB Ratings Update

I skipped out of several TTB Ratings while I was planning a 2019 Ratings Update (which is coming soon), but in cleaning up the 2020 Offer Board, I wanted to go ahead and post the 2020 ratings for guys you haven’t seen yet. For a look at the explanation for the rankings, check out this page (LINK).

So here’s a look at the current 2020 class with their rankings, in order:

Nightly Roundup: May 27, 2019

Lavert Hill says he’s feeling better (LINK).

First of all, I want to thank the man above for blessing with all of these amazing opportunities. Also my family and and all the coaches who have recruited me these past couple years. It has definitely a tough decision, but I want to proudly announce my final 5 (Recruitment Open) pic.twitter.com/2fFtLAGXsR

— Devin Hightower|3⭐️OLB| (@1devinhightower) May 27, 2019

NO ORDER s/o @VolRecruiting98 for the edit #Top12 @CanesFootball @AlabamaFTBL @ClemsonFB @FloridaFootball @FSUFootball @FootballUGA @LSUfootball @UMichFootball @oregonfootball @PennStateFball @Vol_Football pic.twitter.com/3Sc3WBymYb

— Uno_Nelly (@_Dwfootball11) May 27, 2019