Devin Asiasi (#2, image via Fox)
Unfortunately, the rumors have come true: rising sophomore tight end Devin Asiasi is transferring. The Concord (CA) De La Salle native committed to Michigan on National Signing Day in 2016.
This is disappointing for me because I was very high on him coming out of high school. I named him as Michigan’s top offensive recruit in the 2016 class (LINK) and gave him a TTB Rating of 92 (LINK). I thought he would be a standout tight end in an offense that utilizes the position more than most programs. He was used mostly as a blocker – something he did effectively – as a freshman, but he also caught 2 passes for 18 yards and 1 touchdown.
Once considered to be an extremely deep position, the ranks are thinning at tight end. With Jake Butt’s graduation and Asiasi’s transfer, Michigan is down arguably its top two tight ends from the 2016 season. After not taking a tight end in the 2016 class, the Wolverines have presumed starter Ian Bunting, oft-used backup Tyrone Wheatley, Jr., and redshirt freshmen Nick Eubanks and Sean McKeon. There are some walk-ons who could contribute, as well as Zach Gentry, who spent much of last season practicing at wide receiver. It’s not an emergency situation, but the Wolverines are down to four scholarship tight ends, and Wheatley is the only plus blocker at this point.
The reason for the transfer has been mentioned as family issues, but some have pegged it as pure homesickness. Either way, he will probably transfer closer to home, and USC seems a likely landing spot. He will presumably have to sit out the 2017 season and then have eligibility for 2018-2020.
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ouch, seemed like a good kid and a great prospect. hopefully others can step up and try to replace this future pro. doubtful though, unfortunately – best case is several guys step up and ease the loss a little as no one on roster has near his ability or projected impact. tough loss, always hurts to lose pro caliber players and even more so when theyre just on the cusp of reaching that crazy potential. kid wouldve been fun to watch this fall
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I don’t mean to come off as bitter, because I wish the young man well. But if it’s homesickness–which I can certainly relate to–I hope he’s fortunate enough to be drafted by the 9ers, and not the Jets
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Yeah, most kids who play at the FBS level, at least in Power 5 conferences, have hopes of getting to the NFL and making money from the deal. And most of them who do make it to the NFL are going to be playing far away from home. But I guess they figure they’ll cross that bridge when they get there.
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If he goes to Cal or Stanford then the homesickness argument is believable. If he’s going to UCLA to play with his buddy or USC then it’s really about weather and fun.
I’m not sure which is more indicative of a character flaw but one sounds better in a press release. I suspect Asiasi is claiming the former but it’s really the latter.
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“This is disappointing for me because I was very high on him coming out of high school.” More disappointing because he played well last year, particularly for a freshman. Presumably.
Michigan’s TE group is thinner but still loaded. While I agree that Butt and Asiasi were the top 2 last year, the starters are still strong and there is plenty of depth. Wheatley split snaps with Asiasi for most of the year. Bunting looked a whole lot like Butt whenever Butt went out. Even if he’s not quite as talented a pass catcher, he may still end up a better 2-way TE. Then you have 3 other backups who are all promising for different reasons. On top of those 5 you have Hill and Poggi who are jumbo FB/H-Backs who have played TE before.
The only real concern is 2018 when you lose both FBs and the loser of the playing time scrum at TE starts looking at options elsewhere.
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I was someone who thought we should have taken a TE this year, regardless of this situation.
With the prevalence of TE’s in the Harbaugh offense, getting one every year would seem to be paramount – as attrition is a given at every position.
I know there were no “Big Names” high on UM this year (for whatever reason) but depth can be an issue going forward.
Wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.
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I agree. I didn’t want Michigan to take Carter Dunaway because I didn’t think he was that talented, but there were a couple other guys that I wanted Michigan to push for (Dalton Keene, Josh Falo, etc.).
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