Tag: 2010 Season Countdown

2010 Countdown: #79 Ray Vinopal

Name: Ray Vinopal
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 178 lbs.
High school: Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown, OH
Position: Safety
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Prediction for 2010: Redshirt

Vinopal was a somewhat controversial addition to Michigan’s 2010 recruiting class. Fans weren’t too excited about a small-ish safety that reminded many of current Michigan safety Jordan Kovacs, who made the team as a walk-on. And I don’t mean to pass the buck, because I was one of those who lacked excitement. But he’s a Wolverine now, so hopefully all Michigan fans are rooting for him to be successful.

That being said, Vinopal is probably going to watch from the sidelines in 2010. He’s likely headed for the free safety position, which is currently a battle between Cameron Gordon, a buzz-worthy redshirt freshman, and Vladimir Emilien, a sophomore who’s still recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in high school. Unless injuries and/or horrid play plague those two, there hopefully won’t be a need for a third free safety. Then Vinopal can spend his time working on getting taller.

2010 Countdown: #80 Jake Ryan

Name: Jake Ryan
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 220 lbs.
High school: St. Ignatius High School in Westlake, OH
Position: Linebacker
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Prediction for 2010: Redshirt

Ryan was a late, under-the-radar addition to Michigan’s class. While he reported being recruited to play Craig Roh’s outside linebacker position, I feel that he would contribute best to the team at middle linebacker. Not only does Michigan have a shortage of inside linebackers, but I think Ryan does a good job of playing downhill and has the requisite speed for the position. I also think he looks like a WVU middle linebacker, which is where this defense seems to be heading.

Whichever linebacker position he ends up playing, he’s probably due for a redshirt. He’s a little bit light to play at the college level just yet, and the middle linebacker position can be filled by some combination of Obi Ezeh, JB Fitzgerald, or Kenny Demens. But I do think Ryan has a bright future ahead of him.

2010 Countdown: #81 Jordan Paskorz

Name: Jordan Paskorz
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 235 lbs.
High school: Hampton High School in Allison Park, PA
Position: Outside linebacker or defensive end
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Prediction for 2010: Redshirt

Paskorz is one of the more interesting prospects in Michigan’s 2010 class. When he was initially recruited, Paskorz stated that the coaches were recruiting him to play Craig Roh’s outside linebacker position. But late in the process, Paskorz reported something that I had felt all along – if he puts on too much weight to play OLB, he’ll play the traditional defensive end position. Since watching film of Paskorz for the first time, my impression was that he would be too stiff to play OLB. There are some things that Craig Roh did in pass coverage that would make Paskorz a serious liability, in my opinion.

However, at 235 lbs. Paskorz still has some growing to do, no matter which position he plays. Craig Roh was too light last season when he was 238 lbs. and has subsequently added 10-15 lbs. Meanwhile, to play strongside defensive end, Paskorz would likely need to be 260-plus lbs. So I think Paskorz is an obvious redshirt candidate in 2010, and his position will likely be re-evaluated year-to-year.

2010 Countdown: #82 Conelius Jones

Name: Conelius Jones
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 197 lbs.
High school: Spartanburg High School in Spartanburg, SC
Position: Quarterback
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Prediction for 2010: Redshirt

Jones is a very athletic prospect that Michigan pulled from historically atypical Wolverine territory – South Carolina. Oddly, no Michigan players came from South Carolina prior to 1993. Assuming Jones makes it to campus, he will be the eighth South Carolina native to don the maize and blue. Five of them will be on the 2010 roster – cornerback JT Floyd, defensive lineman Adam Patterson, wide receiver Junior Hemingway, offensive guard Quinton Washington, and Jones.

Jones has stated that he would be open to playing whatever position the coaches want him to play. His allegiance to these coaches has been strong because they were the first ones to offer him. So while Jones was recruited to play quarterback, he could eventually move to receiver or defensive back. When I think of how Jones’ career might pan out, I can’t help but think of Paul Thompson, the former Oklahoma Sooner who bounced back and forth between receiver and quarterback.

I expect Jones to redshirt in 2010. He’s an inexperienced quarterback, he played wide receiver in a South Carolina all-star game, and the local newspaper thought he would play defensive back in college. So he’s got some versatility, but the phrase, “Jack of all trades, master of none” comes to mind. Hopefully he can find a position on which to concentrate and contribute a couple years down the road. In the meantime, Michigan has enough talented quarterbacks to get through the 2010 campaign.

2010 Countdown: #83 DJ Williamson

Name: Deaver (D.J.) Williamson
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 172 lbs.
High school: Harding High School in Warren, OH
Position: Slot receiver
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Prediction for 2010: Redshirt

When Williamson wasn’t attempting to be Usain Bolt – both in speed and hubris – he was playing wide receiver for Harding High School. Despite his excellent speed, he’s somewhat small-ish and raw as a receiver.

Williamson revealed on Signing Day that he was recruited to play slot receiver, a position that is jam-packed with veteran players, most notably Martavious Odoms and Roy Roundtree. It would be quite a feat for Williamson to even break the five-deep this season, so I expect him to redshirt.