Posts under: Blog

2023 Season Countdown: #112 D.J. Waller, Jr.

Name: D.J. Waller, Jr.
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 195 lbs.
High school: Youngstown (OH) Chaney
Position: Cornerback
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Waller was a senior in high school. He made 47 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 interception.
TTB Rating: N/A

Waller was a late add to Michigan’s class in the early signing period. He was not offered until November of his senior year, and he didn’t commit to the Wolverines until December 18, just three days before National Signing Day. He was ranked as a 3-star, the #73 cornerback, and #703 overall in the 247 Composite rankings. He committed at such a busy time – and so little was known about him – that it turns out I didn’t even write a commitment post for him, which was an oversight on my part.

Anyway, Waller was a high school safety and wide receiver who’s ranked as a cornerback but who some think might be a linebacker in college. I have seen some comparisons to former Michigan cornerback Jeremy Clark, who was 6’3″ and 220 lbs and turned into a 6th round pick. Clark was a project, and so is Waller. Waller might be too stiff for cornerback, and he’s too light to play linebacker right now. His best bet for early playing time is probably playing special teams, but redshirts don’t usually get burned just for special teams time. I’m guessing he will spend his freshman year percolating on the sideline.

Prediction: Redshirt

2023 Season Countdown: #113 Jesse Madden

Name: Jesse Madden
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 193 lbs.
High school: Oakland (CA) Bishop O’Dowd
Position: Safety
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #43
Last year: I ranked Madden #123 and said he would be a backup quarterback (LINK). He did not play in any games.
TTB Rating: N/A

Madden, the grandson of late football coach and broadcaster John Madden, was a quarterback in high school and for his first year on campus. But with the path blocked by lots of other players – including some talented walk-ons – Madden made the shift to safety last season. While that did not turn into playing time, he was named the team’s Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year.

Maybe 2023 will see Madden getting some playing time, but there are better athletes amongst the walk-ons that are more likely to see the field on special teams and such. My guess is that Madden will mostly be a scout team guy with maybe a game or two on special teams as a reward for his work in practice.

Prediction: Backup safety and special teamer

2024 Recruiting Update: May 22, 2023

OFF THE BOARD

Durant (OK) Durant defensive tackle Xadavien Sims (4-star, #23 DL, #194 overall) committed to Oregon.

Baltimore (MD) St. Frances quarterback Michael Van Buren (4-star, #11 QB, #129 overall) committed to Oregon. At one point it seemed like Penn State might land him, so it takes a 4-star quarterback off to Pac-12 country instead of putting him in the Big Ten. Right now PSU’s quarterback is a 3-star and the #575 player in the nation, Ethan Grunkemeyer.

MISCELLANEY

During a slow week for Michigan recruiting – at least in the 2024 class – the biggest news was probably the hiring and subsequent resignation of Shemy Schembechler. The son of Bo Schembechler was briefly brought on in a recruiting role, but in no time, he came under scrutiny for some of his “likes” on Twitter. Here’s an article from 247 Sports discussing the development (LINK). I’ve thought for a couple months that it was odd Michigan was hiring someone with the last name Schembechler, considering the microscope that Bo has come under over the past couple years. I guess it seemed like a bad idea because it was indeed a bad idea.

2023 Season Countdown: #114 Joel Metzger

Name: Joel Metzger
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 218 lbs.
High school: Battle Creek (MI) Lakeview
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #54
Last year: I did not rank Metzger. He did not play in any games.
TTB Rating: N/A

Metzger is a student body walk-on who joined the team in 2022. He made enough of an impact on special teams in practice to be named the team’s Special Teams Scout Team Player of the Year, so that’s something. This is not meant to be an insult, but watching his film can make you realize that effort and toughness can go a long way. He’s not the biggest or fastest guy – and he has certainly grown since high school – but he must be doing some impressive things in practice to earn the aforementioned honor.

Maybe special teams on Saturdays is in the cards for this fall, but maybe not. I don’t foresee him factoring into the linebacker rotation anytime soon, but if he can play on coverage units, good for him.

Prediction: Backup linebacker and special teamer

2023 Season Countdown: #115 Josh Beetham

Name: Josh Beetham
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 242 lbs.
High school: Yorkville (IL) Yorkville
Position: Tight end
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #40
Last year: I ranked Beetham #115 and said he would be a backup tight end (LINK). He played in one game.
TTB Rating: N/A

Beetham, a former high school quarterback, played in one game last season. It seems like walk-ons had a choice last year: either play against Hawaii or UConn. Beetham went with Hawaii, and that was that. Of course, Michigan had a glut of tight ends, and even some scholarship guys didn’t get much run, so it makes sense that Beetham didn’t play much.

The 2023 season likely won’t see much of a change for Beetham. While he has added three pounds to his frame, Michigan brought in transfer A.J. Barner, who will probably be a co-starter with Colston Loveland. Meanwhile, Matt Hibner and Max Bredeson should both play quite a bit, with some other young up-and-comers also battling for playing time. Beetham will probably just play in one or two games again this season.

Prediction: Backup tight end