Name: Cam McGrone
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 228 lbs.
High school: Indianapolis (IN) Lawrence Central
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #44
Last year: I ranked McGrone #63 and said he would be a backup linebacker and special teamer (LINK). He played in one game.
TTB Rating: 80
McGrone came in with a lot of hype in 2018 as a U.S. Army All-American. He’s known for his speed and blitzing ability, which seems to fit in perfectly with what Michigan wants in an inside linebacker. But the Wolverines are notably stingy when it comes to linebacker playing time, and if you’re not one of the top three inside ‘backers, you won’t see the field. The #4 inside linebacker last year was Jordan Anthony, and he only played in four games on defense.
This season Devin Bush, Jr. is departed, leaving Joshua Ross and Devin Gil as the best bets to start at MIKE and WILL, respectively. That leaves Anthony as the most experienced backup, who will likely slide into that #3 role that Ross occupied in 2018, and that Gil held in 2017, and that Bush himself had as a freshman in 2016. McGrone was earning some buzz this spring, so there’s a chance for him to play more, but he looks like the fourth guy who might be ready for a more significant role in 2020 if a spot opens. Since no linebackers are scheduled to graduate after the 2019 season, there’s a bit of a logjam at the position. In the meantime, I think McGrone can be a good special teams guy with his speed and mentality.
Prediction: Backup linebacker, special teamer
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Good writeup. I googled to confirm Gil’s eligibility because it feels like he’s been around so long (coming in with Bush and Metellus) but of course you are right. You can understand why Drew Singleton bailed when he realized where he stood.
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If McGrone doesn’t see the field more than Anthony did, does he bolt too? I know some don’t like to speculate on transfers, but Singleton was a great example of a hyped recruit who wouldn’t bother with a wait list
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Who knows? Gil and/or Ross might declare for the NFL draft, and Anthony himself might transfer. There are a lot of variables in that equation.
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