Tag: 2009 Season Countdown

Offensive tackle Taylor Lewan reminds many (including me) of former Michigan player and former #1 draft pick Jake Long. Both are tall (6’7″), agile for their size, and relentless blockers. Extending that comparison, Lewan should redshirt in 2009 and when the Lions are the worst team in the NFL in 2013, Lewan can be chosen #1 and move an hour east and wear Honolulu blue.

Okay, it’s over the top to expect Lewan to replicate Long’s career. But I do expect him to be a good player in Rich Rodriguez’s zone blocking scheme. He could push for playing time in 2010 when he’ll battle Patrick Omameh, Ricky Barnum, Mark Huyge, and Perry Dorrestein for a starting spot. As for now, you can see in the picture above that he has some filling out to do. He also didn’t play much offense until his senior year, so his technique is going to need refinement. I will be surprised if he starts any sooner than his third year.

Quinton Washington will be a true freshman offensive guard in the fall. He’s 6’3″, 315 lbs. . . . and a true freshman. As with Schofield, it is extremely rare for a true freshman offensive lineman to contribute, especially when he’s blocked by four guys with starting experience (David Moosman, Steve Schilling, Tim McAvoy, and John Ferrara). That roadblock might disappear somewhat after this season, with the graduation of Moosman and McAvoy and the impending decisions for Schilling and Ferrara of whether to return for fifth year status. Expect him to have only slightly better seats than you for Michigan’s home games this year.

Wide receiver Cameron Gordon will be a true freshman in the fall. A high school teammate of Devin Gardner’s at Inkster, Gordon stands 6’2″ and 211 lbs. He caught 49 passes for 863 yards as a senior, but also made 126 tackles with 5 sacks and 5 interceptions from the linebacker position. He said he wanted a shot at playing WR, but I think he’ll eventually end up at linebacker (he could play safety, but I think he’ll be too big).

The potential position switch notwithstanding, Gordon is blocked for playing time by several wide receivers for the time being. He has good hands but lacks the ability to separate from college defensive backs, so I think he’s the most likely freshman to receive a redshirt this year.

David Cone starts out the list. At 6’7″, 222 lbs. and painfully unable to play quarterback at this level, Cone is extremely unlikely to see meaningful snaps in 2009. At best, he’s probably fifth on the QB depth chart behind Nick Sheridan, Tate Forcier, Denard Robinson, and Justin Feagin. And based on what I saw in the spring game, I’d put walk-on Jack Kennedy ahead of Cone, too. If Cone takes a snap this season, it’s because we’re up 76-0 on Delaware State . . . or it’s because we’re getting blown out and the redshirt junior probably won’t get offered a fifth year.