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2019 Season Countdown: #47 Cameron McGrone

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

Self-Indulgent Post of the Week: Take Your Eye Off the Ball

What I’ve been reading: I just finished reading Take Your Eye Off the Ball by Pat Kirwan. Kirwan is a former NFL coach and staffer who worked with, among others, Pete Carroll and Bill Belichick. I’ve been asked before what a good book is for beginners, and this is probably the best one I’ve read for that purpose. It’s a little elementary if you’re a hardcore fan or an experienced player/coach, but there are still some good stories in there, even if they’re spread out a little bit. If you’re getting into football or don’t really understand offense, defense, roster movement, the scouting process, etc., I highly recommend it.

What I’ve been watching: Black Mirror on Netflix. I just finished season two. This isn’t a new show or anything, so you’ve probably heard of it if you have Netflix, but it’s a very thought-provoking look at the future of technology use and the direction our society is headed.

What I’m looking forward to: Going to the gym. The off-season is a great time for me to get into shape. (Conversely, the season is a great time for me to get out of shape.) Now that I have time to work out between football meetings, workouts, etc., I’m in better shape than I have been in a long time. I used to do a lot of cardio, but right now I’m just eating healthfully and lifting a lot of weights. Exercise has always been a big part of my life, but it’s hard to get in a good workout when you’re supervising a football team and doing other football-related tasks. Naturally, I do a variety of exercises, but I’ve been doing a lot of deadlifts lately.

What are your answers to these questions?

Nightly Roundup: July 17, 2019

Nick Baumgardner profiles George Johnson III (LINK).

Shea Patterson was named to the Davey O’Brien Award Watch List:

Click the release below to find out the 30 members of the Watch List for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award! Who ultimately will be the nation’s best quarterback in 2019? #DaveyQBs #CFBWatchMe #CFB150

?: https://t.co/lOUiiLJZpZ pic.twitter.com/qr5h7MDUPD

— Davey O’Brien (@daveyobrien) July 16, 2019

Hit the jump for more.

2019 Season Countdown: #48 Ben VanSumeren

Name: Ben VanSumeren
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 236 lbs.
High school: Essexville (MI) Garber
Position: Running back
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #40
Last year: I ranked VanSumeren #39 and said he would be a backup fullback (LINK). He played in four games and redshirted.
TTB Rating: 78

There’s one thing I can say about myself that I can be proud of:

I’m no Skip Bayless.

The thing about these countdowns – and my review posts – is that I hold myself accountable and make it plain to see when I’m wrong. And I was very wrong about VanSumeren and, to an extent, Michigan’s offense last year. With Khalid Hill and Henry Poggi having graduated after the 2017 season, I thought Michigan would go right back to the fullback well with a heavy dose of Ben Mason and the next most fullback-y guy, VanSumeren.

That turned out not to be the case. Mason got some pretty good playing time, fifth year senior Jared Wangler played some, and VanSumeren redshirted while playing very little in four games.

Oops.

This spring VanSumeren saw some playing time at tailback, partly because there were a bunch of injuries and the suspension of Chris Evans. VanSumeren isn’t a classic running back, and it’s somewhat concerning that he was forced into such a prominent role, even if it was just practice. I think he will be relatively low on the depth chart, but I do think he will start to get some carries and perhaps some receptions in 2019.

Prediction: Backup running back

Morning Roundup: July 17, 2019

Here’s Nick Baumgardner’s preview take on freshman safety Quinten Johnson (LINK).

Shea Patterson is on the Maxwell Award Watch List (LINK).

Lavert Hill and Josh Metellus are on the Bednarik Award Watch List (LINK).

It’s always been a dream of mine. Honored to be selected and committed to the 2021 All-American Game on NBC!!! @ErikRichardsUSA @Mansell247 @SWiltfong247 @NxtLevelAtx @DSP__Training pic.twitter.com/lQIExnTFbJ

— J.J. McCarthy (@jjmccarthy09) July 14, 2019