Last week I posted about the longest pass plays in Michigan history (LINK).
Now it’s time for the longest kickoff returns. Surprisingly (to me), only one play in Michigan history has gone the length of the field:
read more
Name: Zach Carpenter
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 329 lbs.
High school: Cincinnati (OH) Moeller
Position: Offensive guard
Class: Redshirt reshman
Jersey number: #58
Last year: I ranked Carpenter #86 and said he would redshirt (LINK). He redshirted.
TTB Rating: 73
When Carpentered entered college, most assumed he would end up playing offensive guard. Not only was he ranked as a guard, but Michigan had highly touted interior lineman Nolan Rumler in the 2019 class, and Rumler was reportedly likely to transition to center. Anyway, Carpenter had two seniors starting at guard and a future 1st rounder starting at center ahead of him, so he wasn’t needed last year.
Fast forward one season, and all those guys are gone. Carpenter and Karsen Barnhart earned a ton of buzz last year, and the conclusion going into the spring was that Carpenter had the inside track on the center gig. The stiffest competition was thought to be coming from walk-on Andrew Vastardis.
The most recent rumors suggest that Vastardis has been getting first team reps at center, partly because Carpenter has been missing from practice due to health issues. Center is a key position, so I have Carpenter ranked here at #21, but Vastardis or Rumler could be the man if/when there’s a season.
Prediction: Starting center
Last week I posted about the longest runs in Michigan history (LINK).
Now we’re going to look at the longest passes in Michigan history:
read more
Please use the Amazon links here to support the site (LINK):
Okay, without Michigan football this fall, I thought I would take some time to break down a fun play from the Austin Peay vs. Central Arkansas NCAA opener. The game took place on Saturday night with Central Arkansas pulling out a 24-17 victory after a rocky start.
Hit the jump for more.
read more
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