Tag: 2011 Season Countdown

2011 Countdown: #84 Russell Bellomy

Russell Bellomy

Name: Russell Bellomy
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 180 lbs.
High school: James Martin High School in Arlington, TX
Position: Quarterback
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Bellomy was a high school senior (commitment post here)

TTB Rating: 74

When I wrote the commitment post a few months ago, I compared Bellomy to Al Borges’ old protege Cade McNown.  Both players are/were mobile with mediocre arm strength and accuracy.  Bellomy doesn’t have physical talents that are off the charts, but he does seem like a quality kid and a good leader.  If nothing else, those are good qualities for a backup quarterback to have while he plays second (or third) fiddle to guys who have more natural skills like Denard Robinson and Devin Gardner.

Bellomy ought to be able to redshirt in 2011, at least if everything goes according to plan.  With third-year Robinson and second-year Gardner in the mix, the only reason a freshman might see the field is if there’s an injury (or two).  And Michigan fans definitely want Robinson and Gardner to stay healthy.  Bellomy ought to be capable in a few years, but for now he doesn’t belong on the field.

Prediction: Redshirt

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2011 Countdown: #85 Chris Rock

Chris Rock

Name: Chris Rock
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 250 lbs.
High school: St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, OH
Position: Defensive end
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #95
Last year: Rock was a high school senior (commitment post here)

TTB Rating: 58

As you can tell from Rock’s commitment post, I’m not especially high on Rock.  He’s essentially a wild card, because I think he has pretty poor technique.  There are things on virtually every play I’ve seen that concern me (mostly playing too high).  But he’s 6’5″, probably weighs more than 250 now, and can run a little bit.  Some of the physical attributes are there, but he’s not a high-caliber natural athlete.  If he wants to be good, he’s going to have to work – hard.

Rock is probably a little weak to play this season, and he’s not enough of an athlete to help much on coverage units.  He should find a niche eventually as a strongside end or even a 3-tech defensive tackle if he puts on enough weight, but that might be a few years down the road.

Prediction: Redshirt

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2011 Countdown: #86 Justice Hayes

Justice Hayes

Name: Justice Hayes
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 182 lbs.
High school: Grand Blanc High School in Grand Blanc, MI
Position: Running back
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Hayes was a high school senior (commitment post here)

TTB Rating: 72

Hayes was a 4-star recruit to every service and the #85 player in the country to Rivals.  That seemed a little high to me, but when the services are in lockstep, hopefully that means something good.  Hayes is good in space but doesn’t have a second gear to break away.  Without great size or speed, his ceiling seems a little limited to me.  However, I do think he fits better in more of a pro-style offense than he did in a zone read option spread, where I saw him more as a slot receiver.  He could still play receiver in a pinch, but hopefully it doesn’t come that.

His senior season ended early due to a wrist injury, but that shouldn’t affect his freshman year of college.  What should affect his freshman year of college more than the injury is the fact that Michigan has a bunch of experienced running backs in the stable and ready to go.  That ought to give Hayes time to bulk up and get used to the ways of the college world.

Prediction: Redshirt

2011 Countdown: #87 Keith Heitzman

Keith Heitzman

Name: Keith Heitzman
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 237 lbs.
High school: Davidson High School in Hilliard, OH
Position: Strongside defensive end
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #92
Last year: Miller was a senior in high school (commitment profile here)

TTB Rating:  63

Heitzman is a decent athlete who won’t wow you in any particular way, but he’s not especially slow or awkward, either.  He held offers from lower level Big Ten schools and a bunch of MAC-level programs, and that seems just about right.

On National Signing Day, Brady Hoke talked about Heitzman and stated that the coaches thought he could grow into a tackle.  I’m assuming he was talking about the “5-tech defensive tackle,” which is confusing because it’s more of a traditional defensive end position.  A 237-pound kid probably won’t be able to stand up against offensive tackles, let alone double-teams from the tackle and a tight end.  On the defensive line, he’s probably the least ready to play as a freshman.

Prediction: Redshirt

2011 Countdown: #88 Tony Posada

Tony Posada looks like a Michigan lineman

Name: Tony Posada
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 315 lbs.
High school: Plant High School in Tampa, FL
Position: Guard/tackle
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #79
Last year: Posada was a high school senior (commitment post here)

TTB Rating: Incomplete, due to lack of film

I never got a great feel for Posada because film on him was scarce.  He’s looked a little soft in the body in virtually every picture I’ve seen, and most 300+ pounders in high school have some work to do on their conditioning.  As for his technique, footwork, and athleticism, well, that’s anyone’s guess right now.  I’ll reserve judgment.  However, I was impressed with former Michigan offensive line coach Greg Frey’s ability to scout and develop offensive linemen, so I do have some faith that Posada will at least be serviceable.

But it’s usually a safe bet for true freshman linemen to redshirt, and I don’t expect anything different from Posada.  Offensive guard is a deep position group on this unit, so he can take his time to learn the position.  In fact, I wouldn’t expect to see him compete for playing time until at least 2013.

Projection: Redshirt