Nightly Roundup: August 19, 2019

Tag: Carlo Kemp


19Aug 2019
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2019 Season Countdown: #13 Carlo Kemp

Carlo Kemp (#2, image via MGoBlue)

Name: Carlo Kemp
Height:
6’3″
Weight:
286 lbs.
High school:
Boulder (CO) Fairview
Position:
Defensive tackle
Class:
Senior
Jersey number:
#2
Last year:
I ranked Kemp #37 and said he would be a backup strongside end and defensive tackle (LINK). He started twelve games, making 17 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks.
TTB Rating:
84

From the perspective of pure playing time, Kemp made quite a leap in 2018. He went from a mediocre backup in 2017 to a part-time starter in 2018, and he went from being a backup defensive end to basically a full-time defensive tackle. It’s arguable how much of an impact he made, however. He finished the year with 17 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 0.5 sacks over twelve starts. On pace for roughly 1.5 tackles per game and 1 sack every 24 starts, not many offensive linemen lined up across from him are afraid going into their matchup.

The loss of three defensive tackles boosts Kemp’s importance, and by all accounts, he’s a standout leader. Some have suggested that he should be a captain, along with rumblings about Khaleke Hudson, Josh Metellus, and others. I have little doubt about his leadership; those traits were discussed during his recruitment. He grew up in a football family (he’s the nephew of Chuck Pagano and John Pagano, both long-time NFLers) and knows the commitment it takes to succeed at a high level in football.

Unfortunately, Kemp is lacking in a couple areas. One is explosion. The other is size. He’s expected to play nose tackle, a position normally reserved for 330+ pound behemoths. When not that, they’re lighter but lightning quick. Aside from his positive leadership qualities, Kemp is basically just a guy. He will occasionally slice into a backfield and make a play, but he would be ranked lower if Michigan could afford to lose defensive tackles and still chug along. As things stand right now, Kemp is a fairly important piece of the defensive puzzle, since the interior line starts to dissolve into freshmen rather quickly after the first three guys.

Prediction: Starting nose tackle; 25 tackles, 1.5 sacks

22Mar 2019
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Nightly Roundup: March 22, 2019

Luiji Vilain

Defensive lineman Luiji Vilain is finally healthy after two seasons (LINK).

New defensive line coach Shaun Nua wanted to work under Don Brown (LINK).

Carlo Kemp returns as a senior leader on the defensive line (LINK).

Football Study Hall talks about what Mike Gundy’s next trick could be at Oklahoma State (LINK).

Hit the jump for more.

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21Jul 2018
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2018 Season Countdown: #37 Carlo Kemp

Carlo Kemp (#2, image via Zimbio)

Name: Carlo Kemp
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 264 lbs.
High school: Boulder (CO) Fairview
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #2
Last year: I ranked Kemp #19 and said he would be a backup strongside end (LINK). He made 3 tackles.
TTB Rating: 84

Kemp received a lot of hype going into the 2017 season. Practice reports were very positive, and he was looked at as a heavy rotation guy behind Rashan Gary. When the season came, the starting defensive ends played a ton (perhaps too much) and Kemp didn’t get on the field too much. When he did, he was just okay. As of his sophomore year, he was just a guy – not a bad player, but not a standout, either.

Now one has to wonder if he’s on a slightly faster path to Lawrence Marshall Land. When Kemp arrived a couple years ago, he was given a shot at inside linebacker. Then he was a weakside end. Then he was a strongside end. And now the talk is that he’ll play a fair amount of 3-tech defensive tackle (note: he’s reportedly closer to 280 lbs. now, but he’s still officially listed at 264). Kemp can play 5-tech or 3-tech, but he’s probably not any kind of option at weakside end. My overall excitement for Kemp has worn away a little bit, but the coaches still appear to be counting on him to play a decent-sized role.

Prediction: Backup strongside end and defensive tackle

22Mar 2018
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Five Things to Watch During Spring Practice

Going into the beginning of spring practice, there are lots of questions about the 2018 team. Some are obvious. Some, maybe not so much. Here are the top five things I’ll be looking for throughout the spring.

1. What will the offense look like?
Michigan’s offense was, to be kind, largely ineffective in 2017. Offensive line coach and run game coordinator Tim Drevno was nudged out the door, and he was replaced by a combination of former Ohio State/Minnesota offensive line coach Ed Warinner and former Florida head coach/Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain. Furthermore, offensive tackle/tight ends coach Greg Frey left for Florida State and was replaced by Central Michigan’s Sherrone Moore. Moore won’t change the look of the offense. Warinner might switch things up a little bit, depending on what types of bodies he wants on the offensive line. McElwain is the key here. He’s not known as an innovator, but will Michigan be in shotgun? Pistol? Will the use of the fullback be dialed back a bit? Will he pack it in with multiple tight end sets, or will he spread it out more?

Hit the jump for four more questions about the spring.

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