Posts by: Thunder

2020 Season Countdown: #22 Michael Barrett

Name: Michael Barrett
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 224 lbs.
High school: Valdosta (GA) Lowndes
Position: Viper
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #6
Last year: I ranked Barrett #53 and said he would be a backup Viper (LINK). He made 7 tackles, rushed 1 time for 14 yards, and completed a 25-yard pass.
TTB Rating: 82

Barrett had a very interesting 2019 season. Playing behind eventual 5th round draft pick Khaleke Hudson, Barrett did not see a lot of time on the field since it’s a position that rarely rotates. The Viper is usually one of the most versatile all-around football players on the field. It made sense in Jabrill Peppers’s case (he played QB/WR/RB/LB/CB/PR/KR) in his college career, and it made sense for Hudson (he was a standout RB/S in high school).

So whomever the coaches peg to take over for Hudson must be highly valued as an athlete. Barrett is no slouch, either, when it comes to positional versatility. He was a high school QB who has bounced between linebacker and slot receiver in college. Michigan used him as an upback on the punt team in 2019, allowing him to run a couple fake punts – one for a 14-yard rush and another for a pass that turned into a 25-yard completion to Dax Hill against Army.

On the one hand, I don’t have much tangible evidence to say that Barrett can be an impact Viper. After all, I evaluated him as an offensive player and he’s been on campus for two years without playing much defense.

On the other hand, it seems like we can trust the coaches to pick the right Viper based on the two guys who have manned the position over the past four years (along with Don Brown’s previous contributors there, including current NFLer Matt Milano).

I probably should rank Barrett higher, because the linebacker unit is very inexperienced behind the starting crew. The backup is probably either sophomore Anthony Solomon, who also plays some WILL, or a true freshman. But because Barrett has little experience, I can’t place too much faith in him just yet. Hopefully he’s a pleasant surprise this season.

Prediction: Starting Viper

2020 Season Countdown: #23 Ben Mason

Name: Ben Mason
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 254 lbs.
High school: Newtown (CT) Newtown
Position: Fullback
Class: Senior
Jersey number: #42
Last year: I ranked Mason #41 and said he would be the starting fullback and a backup defensive tackle (LINK). He ran the ball 1 time for 3 yards and made 7 tackles.
TTB Rating: 74

Mason was probably the most controversial player on the 2019 squad. He came to Michigan as a linebacker/fullback, and prior to last year, he bulked up to play defensive tackle. That seemed somewhat forced – and perhaps frustratingly necessary – because Michigan was both thin at the defensive tackle position and switching to an offense that de-emphasized fullbacks. Early in the season, Michigan messed around with him on the defensive line, and it did not go well. By the end of the year, Mason was basically a “sniffer” fullback, a guy who rarely ran or caught the ball and acted like a pulling guard.

Since last year Mason has dropped 16 pounds and defensive tackle no longer appears to be an option. That was a failed half-year experiment.

I like what Mason brings to the table. He’s tough and loves to hit, and he would have been a stud fullback when it really mattered. The position utilization has dwindled, but it’s a nice change-up in a spread offense. Most teams running a spread use a 10, 11, or 12 personnel, and those tight ends usually hate blocking. Mason gives Michigan a little more toughness at the point of attack, a guy who can effectively kick out a defensive end, wham a defensive tackle, or lead on a linebacker.

Prediction: Starting fullback

All-Time Leaders: Longest Runs

This is a fun one, because I think a lot of fans remember where they were when some of these big plays happened. I know I remember watching some of these on TV, being at Michigan Stadium for some of these, etc.

Enjoy the list and some memories!

All-Time Single Game Tackle for Loss Leaders

Last week I posted the all-time TFL leaders for a season (LINK). Up for perusal this week are the single-game leaders.

Hit the jump for the list.

2020 Season Countdown: #24 Will Hart

Name: Will Hart
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 206 lbs.
High school: Hunting Valley (OH) University School
Position: Punter
Class: Redshirt senior
Jersey number: #17
Last year: I ranked Hart #24 and said he would be the starting punter (LINK). He punted 51 times for 2,256 yards (44.2 yards/punt), 7 touchbacks, 13 fair catches, and 11 inside the 20-yard line.
TTB Rating: N/A

Hart was a superstar punter in 2018 and borderline All-American after averaging 47 yards per punt. His numbers dipped a little bit in 2019, but he was still very good. His punting average of 44.2 yards per attempt was slightly behind conference leader Blake Hayes (Illinois) and his 44.6-yard average. It’s not that he lost leg power, but his technique and timing seemed to be a little off, and he shanked a couple punts throughout the year.

For the second year in a row, Hart comes in at #24 in the countdown. He has a decent backup in Brad Robbins (42.8 yards/attempt in 2019), but Hart has a stronger leg and can be a weapon at times. Hopefully he returns to his 2018 form and can work out some of the kinks he experienced last season.

Prediction: Starting punter