Tag: 2012 season countdown

2012 Season Countdown: #70 Erik Magnuson

Erik Magnuson

Name: Erik Magnuson
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 275 lbs.
High school: Carlsbad (CA) La Costa Canyon
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #78
Last year: Magnuson was in high school.  He played well enough to participate in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Final TTB Rating: 87

Magnuson is a highly touted offensive tackle out of California, and some people even made a comparison to Jake Long.  Maybe it’s the fact that Magnuson wore #77, but regardless, he is a much hyped recruit.  At the beginning of January, he played left guard in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, and while he wasn’t as stellar as classmate Kyle Kalis, he did look adequate with the change of position.

Coming into college, Magnuson needs a fair amount of polish and he needs to get stronger.  In a regular year, he would probably be a lock to redshirt.  However, needs on the offensive line might mandate some playing time.  He looks like a future left tackle, although that’s a position with a lot of responsibility for a freshman.  We might see him at right tackle or guard if the situation arises, but hopefully he can spend a year refining technique and adding mass.

Prediction: Redshirt if possible

2012 Season Countdown: #71 Kenny Wilkins

Kenny Wilkins (image via UMGoBlog)

Name: Kenny Wilkins
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 280 lbs.
High school: Washington (PA) Trinity
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #41
Last year: I ranked Wilkins #57 and said he would be the third string SDE.  He did not see game action.

Wilkins has had an interesting journey at Michigan so far, and he’s only a redshirt sophomore.  He was recruited as a defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid, arrived on campus planning to play defensive end, and has now grown into a 280-plus pound defensive tackle.  Rumors from practices suggested that Wilkins just didn’t show the aggressiveness and work ethic to earn playing time, but putting on 30-40 lbs. in a year or two can do that to a guy sometimes.

This spring the talk was a little more positive, as the light was rumored to have flipped on for Wilkins a little bit.  I won’t buy it until I see it, but there’s an obvious need on the interior of the defensive line for someone to step up.  Perhaps Wilkins sees the opportunity for playing time and has decided to make a run at a starting job.  Wilkins played both nose tackle and defensive tackle in the spring.  I think he’s too short on technique and size to play the nose once the season rolls around, but he could be in the mix as a 3-tech.  He’s probably not in any danger of starting, though.

Prediction: Backup defensive tackle

2012 Season Countdown: #72 Matt Godin

Matt Godin

Name: Matt Godin
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 273 lbs.
High school: Novi (MI) Catholic Central
Position: Strongside defensive end
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #81
Last year: Godin was in high school.  He had 90 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks.

Godin committed to Michigan last May after being publicly disappointed about not getting offered earlier.  The coaches saw his 6’6″ frame, now up to 273 lbs., and thought he would fit in well as a strongside end.  Godin’s recruitment paid off in another way by helping to garner a commitment from 2013 running back Wyatt Shallman, Godin’s teammate at Catholic Central; and it almost helped land Danny O’Brien, a defensive tackle from Flint who ultimately signed with Tennessee.  Godin played both ways at times for the Shamrocks, playing as both an offensive tackle and defensive lineman.

Going into his freshman campaign, Godin should be near ready in regard to his size.  He’s expected to play strongside end, and senior starter Craig Roh is expected to have about 280 lbs. on his 6’5″ frame by the time the season begins.  Roh is a technician, however, and Godin needs to work on that aspect of his game.  He has a chance to see the field because of a lack of depth at the strongside end position.  Last year’s starter, Ryan Van Bergen, graduated and Roh is moving from the weak side.  Meanwhile, Godin will have to contend with fellow freshmen Tom Strobel and Chris Wormley, as well as walk-on Nathan Brink and redshirt freshman Keith Heitzman.  It seems likely that Godin will eventually grow into a 3-technique defensive tackle, but in the meantime, the battle for the backup strongside end will be interesting to watch.

Prediction: Backup defensive end

2012 Season Countdown: #73 Terry Richardson

Terry Richardson

Name: Terry Richardson
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 163 lbs.
High school: Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Position: Cornerback
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #13
Last year: Richardson was in high school.  He made 49 tackles and 7 pass breakups; he also had 24 receptions for 425 yards (17.7 yards per catch) and 2 touchdowns, plus 1 kickoff return touchdown.

Final TTB Rating: 80

Richardson had a terrific junior season as teams threw away from Delonte Hollowell (now a sophomore at Michigan) and into the arms of Richardson, who had 9 interceptions that year.  His production really fell off as a senior, although he still broke up 7 passes and made an impact on offense and special teams.  Richardson nabbed offers from all over the country and flirted with visiting other schools, but eventually stuck to his Michigan commitment.

Heading into his freshman season, Richardson appears to be a little light at only 163 lbs.  Michigan returns both starting cornerbacks in J.T. Floyd and Blake Countess, with slot corner Courtney Avery, spring upstart Terrence Talbott, and backup Raymon Taylor also in the mix.  It seems unlikely that Richardson’s services will be needed this season, and while he could help out returning punts and kicks in the future, the Wolverines have some players to do those things already on the roster, not to mention fellow incoming freshman Dennis Norfleet, who is being brought in specifically to fill those duties.  If everyone stays healthy, Richardson should be able to redshirt this season and fight for playing time in 2013.

Prediction: Redshirt

2012 Season Countdown: #74 Erik Gunderson

Erik Gunderson

Name: Erik Gunderson
Height: 6’8″
Weight: 312 lbs.
High school: Milan (MI) Milan
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #69
Last year: I ranked Gunderson #67 and said he would be a backup offensive tackle.  He played in four games as a backup lineman.

Gunderson came to Michigan as a 6’8″, 338-pounder and slimmed down significantly under Rich Rodriguez, since Rodriguez was into cardio and athleticism for his linemen.  Under Brady Hoke, Gunderson is slowly putting on weight once again and is up over 300 lbs., fourteen pounds heavier than last year.  He played in several games last season, but did not see action in crucial situations.

Offensive tackle is once again a thin position now that Mark Huyge graduated and only freshmen are left outside of starters Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield.  Gunderson could be a key backup if the freshmen struggle to adjust and if there are injuries along the offensive line.  He’s a little slow-footed and would most likely work in at right tackle if needed, but he’s an adequate run blocker.  No offense to Gunderson, but let’s hope that he’s not needed this season.

Prediction: Backup right tackle