Tag: 2018 season countdown

2018 Season Countdown: #101 Dane Drobocky

Dane Drobocky (image via 247 Sports)

Name: Dane Drobocky
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 234 lbs.
High school: Bowling Green (KY) Bowling Green
Position: Defensive end
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #37
Last year: I did not rank Drobocky. He did not see game action.

Drobocky has not played during his first two seasons on campus, but he did win Scout Team Defensive Player of the Week for the preparation week leading up to the Minnesota game last season. When he came out of high school, I thought he would be a tight end, but Michigan has plenty of those. Drobocky is also unlikely to see the field as a defensive end this season, unless a game gets out of hand. There’s something to be said for being a scout team player of the week, and Drobocky’s also the type who could help out a little bit on the punt or punt return unit.

Prediction: Backup defensive end, special teamer

2018 Season Countdown: #102 Jess Speight

Jess Speight

Name: Jess Speight
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 289 lbs.
High school: Richmond (VA) Collegiate
Position: Center
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #67
Last year: I did not rank Speight. He redshirted.

Speight, who is the brother of former Michigan quarterback Wilton Speight, is the rare walk-on offensive lineman who actually got me excited a little bit. He has some decent talent and quickness, though he’s probably a little bit light still if the 289 lbs. on the roster is accurate. There’s also the problem of sophomore super-recruit and center Cesar Ruiz, who some have labeled already as Michigan’s best lineman, and who plays the same position as Jess Speight. I wouldn’t put it outside the realm of possibility for Speight to become Michigan’s starting center if he sticks around long enough, but that will probably have to be after Ruiz moves on to the NFL in a few years. For now Michigan also has the option of Stephen Spanellis, who has practiced at center and played there in the bowl game against South Carolina. Speight’s time won’t come this year, but he’s one to keep an eye on in the coming years.

Prediction: Backup offensive lineman

2018 Season Countdown: #103 Matt Mitchell

Matt Mitchell (image via Twitter)

Name: Matt Mitchell
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 186 lbs.
High school: Dexter (MI) Dexter
Position: Cornerback
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #20
Last year: I did not rank Mitchell. He did not see game action.

Mitchell is a guy who has been grinding away for a few years on the scout team. While he’s undersized and not particularly skilled, sometimes those guys are rewarded in their upperclassman years with roles on special teams. I think Mitchell could be in line for a small-time gig on the punt coverage or punt return units, but even if not, he’s a guy constantly out there getting reps with the scout teamers.

Prediction: Backup cornerback, special teamer

2018 Season Countdown: #104 Adam Fakih

Adam Fakih (image via CBS Sports)

Name: Adam Fakih
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 210 lbs.
High school: Beverly Hills (MI) Country Day
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #41
Last year: I did not rank Fakih. He redshirted.

I like Fakih, and I think he might end up being a Michael Wroblewski-like player before his career is finished in Ann Arbor. Depending on how hard he works in the weight room, he’s a guy who could earn some playing time. He’s a heady player who takes good angles, knows how to tackle, and can run a little bit. Plus he has the frame to add the necessary weight. Without a spring game, it’s tough to see what walk-ons are creeping up the depth chart, but Fakih has potential.

Prediction: Backup linebacker

2018 Season Countdown: #105 Spencer Dickow

Spencer Dickow (image via LinkedIn)

Name: Spencer Dickow
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 237 lbs.
High school: Bloomfield Hills (MI) Brother Rice
Position: Fullback
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #39
Last year: I did not rank Dickow. He did not see game action.

It’s time for a Spencer Dickow sighting. It’s unclear how the fullback situation will play out beyond the clear #1 guy Ben Mason, and even he will be recovering from a spring knee injury for the fall. And without a spring game from which to judge, this is purely a stab in the dark. But I have to root for a guy who was a high school offensive guard and has shed some pounds to try to be a fullback at Michigan. Yep, Dickow was one of Alex Malzone’s five offensive linemen in high school, and now the walk-on has outlasted the scholarship QB. When you’re down at #105 on this list, you’re unlikely to be a big factor, but here’s hoping for a few offensive snaps for Dickow.

Prediction: Backup fullback

Bonus: Here’s Dickow playing OG in high school.