Posts under: Blog

2017 Recruiting Update: November 1, 2016

Starkville (MS) Starkville LB Willie Gay (#3, image via Clarion-Ledger)

COMMITMENTS

Beaver Falls (PA) Beaver Falls DT Donovan Jeter committed to Michigan (LINK).

Warwick (RI) Bishop Hendricken DE Kwity Paye flipped from Boston College to Michigan (LINK).

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2017

Wylie (TX) East running back Eno Benjamin decommitted from Iowa. Benjamin is a 4-star, the #10 running back, and #159 overall in the class. He said that he would consider Michigan going forward, but the Wolverines seem to have their sights set a little bit higher on the likes of Cam Akers and Najee Harris. With three running backs already committed, it’s unclear if the Wolverines will recruit Benjamin or not.

Hit the jump for some decommitments from other schools, some commitments to other schools, etc.

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Michigan vs. Michigan State Awards

Eddie McDoom

Let’s see more of this guy on offense . . . Eddie McDoom. Freshman backup wide receiver McDoom actually led the team in rushing with 53 yards on just 2 carries (33 yards, 20 yards). He’s the fifth leading rusher on the team, behind the four primary running backs (Chris Evans, De’Veon Smith, Ty Isaac, Karan Higdon) and ahead of Jabrill Peppers and Jehu Chesson. I wouldn’t recommend running more jet sweeps, but I do think the offensive staff could afford to spread the field a little more at times and use McDoom in the passing game. He has the speed to threaten teams deep, and he could also be used on bubble screens, crack screens, and such. Michigan has sprung Amara Darboh for some deep throws this year, but the short and intermediate zones can get clogged with all the tight ends and fullbacks. I would like to see some formations with Darboh, Chesson, and McDoom, which might cause some defensive coordinators and defensive backs some consternation.

Hit the jump for more on the game vs. MSU.

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Michigan 32, Michigan State 23

Jabrill Peppers (image via MLive)

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A win is a win. I know people are upset that the #2 team didn’t beat Michigan State by more, but anything can happen in a rivalry game like this. Michigan State probably isn’t as bad as their 2-6 record suggests, and Michigan hasn’t really proven that they can hang with the big boys like Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, and the like. Michigan fans seemed overconfident this week when talking about this game, and I think that was partially wishful thinking. Ultimately, all we really needed out of this game was a win. It didn’t need to be a by a wide margin, and Michigan didn’t need to be pulling away. When the clock ran out, Michigan just needed to be up by a point. They needed to get over that hump and that mental roadblock stemming from recent years, especially last year’s debacle. Mission accomplished.

Hit the jump for more.

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Preview: Michigan at Michigan State

RUSH OFFENSE vs. MICHIGAN STATE RUSH DEFENSE

Michigan is #11 in rushing (257 yards/game) and #18 in yards per carry (5.47). Leading rusher Chris Evans is questionable this week after suffering a concussion last Saturday. so things are very likely to be left to starter De’Veon Smith (412 yards), Ty Isaac (332), and breakout running back Karan Higdon (359). Up front, Michigan rolled with (from left to right) Ben Braden, Ben Bredeson, Mason Cole, Kyle Kalis, and Erik Magnuson last week. The Wolverines have suffered injuries on the left side and it’s been a bit of a revolving door between three players (Braden, Bredeson, and Juwann Bushell-Beatty), so watching those players matched up against Michigan State’s Malik McDowell will be one concern for Michigan fans. McDowell leads the squad with 5 tackles for loss and stands sixth on the team with 32 tackles. The leading tacklers are safety Montae Nicholson (6’2″, 219 lbs.) and linebacker Chris Frey (6’2″, 227), each with 57. The Spartans will run mostly a 4-3 Over front. Outside of McDowell, nobody in the front seven should be particularly intimidating, but Nicholson is really good at supporting the run and hits like a linebacker. The Spartans are #66 in rush defense and #57 in yards allowed per rush.
Advantage: Michigan

Hit the jump for more.

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Kwity Paye, Wolverine

Warwick (RI) Bishop Hendricken DE Kwity Paye (image via TheWolverine)

Warwick (RI) Bishop Hendricken defensive end Kwity Paye flipped his commitment from Boston College to Michigan.

Paye is listed at 6’4″, 235 lbs. and claims a 4.75 forty. As a junior in 2015, he made 68 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 blocked field goal; he also carried the ball 19 times for 244 yards (12.8 yards/carry) and 8 touchdowns. This season he has 23 carries for 422 yards (18.3 yards/carry) and 6 scores.

RATINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 80 grade, #26 WDE
Rivals: 3-star, #40 WDE
Scout: 3-star, #70 DE
247 Sports: 3-star, 86 grade, #42 WDE, #806 overall

Hit the jump for more.

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