Denzel Ward, ex-Wolverine

Tag: Denzel Ward


29Jan 2013
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Denzel Ward, ex-Wolverine

Denzel Ward

Denzel Ward, a 2014 offensive tackle out of Chicago (IL) Hales Franciscan, is no longer a part of Michigan’s recruiting class.  The 6’9″, 285-pounder committed to Michigan shortly after receiving an offer last year, but things have changed since then.  He was offered by Florida and decided to take a visit there, a move the coaches don’t like.  But he also transferred to IMG Academy in Florida, which is a school specifically geared toward athletes who want to develop and train for the next level.  The problem with the transfer is that he reportedly didn’t even think to tell the coaches that he was moving from Illinois to Florida.  It’s unclear whether the coaches will continue to recruit him, but it appears that the staff decided that he should no longer be considered a commit.

Here’s my commitment post on Ward from October.  I have to say that he was nearly going to commit to Purdue until he got the Michigan offer, and then he immediately jumped on the offer from the Wolverines.  He seemed to be making a hasty decision at the time, and in retrospect . . . it still appears to have been a hasty decision.  There’s still plenty of time for Michigan to replace Ward in the class, but most of the offered recruits with an eye on Michigan look like guard prospects rather than tackles.  Some new offers will likely have to be sent out to get a tackle to take his place, but Michigan might be able to reel in someone like Andy Bauer, Damian Prince, or Braden Smith.

20Nov 2012
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Scouting Report: Denzel Ward

Chicago (IL) Hales Franciscan offensive tackle Denzel Ward

If you want the bare bones of Chicago (IL) Hales Franciscan offensive tackle Denzel Ward’s October commitment to Michigan, you can check out his commitment post.  At that time he hadn’t released any film to evaluate, so I couldn’t really say much about him.  But now he has released his junior highlights, so let’s get down to business with this film.

Strengths: Huge body, listed at 6’9″, 295 lbs. . . . Long arms should aid in keeping defenders out of his body . . . Instinctively active feet . . . Moves feet beyond initial contact . . . Impressive knee bend for his height . . . Uses hands fairly well for such an inexperienced player . . . Very athletic . . . Runs well downfield . . . Should be effective on perimeter and at second level . . . Good attitude on finishing drive blocks

Weaknesses: Sometimes takes a false initial step before engaging defender . . . Occasionally overstrides when drive blocking . . . Can get off balance in pass protection, though long arms negate this issue slightly . . . Shows occasional tendency to be a waist bender . . . Leans a little too much in pass protection and can get feet crossed up . . . Needs to stick with pass blocks a little longer and play to the whistle

Projection: Left offensive tackle.  Ward is a prototypical left tackle, but his footwork leaves a little to be desired.  He has the athleticism to be great but is inconsistent with his technique.  That’s understandable because he didn’t start playing organized football until his junior year.  The potential is there, but it will take some refinement of his technique and some good coaching to help him reach his potential.  I could see him developing into an All-American, but the biggest question is: Will he work at it?  Some guys who start playing football late in high school don’t necessarily show the long-term commitment to the sport.  Obviously, nobody knows how much he loves the sport except him, but he could be a premier left tackle if he stays committed to his craft.

Reminds me of: Andrus Peat (freshman offensive tackle at Stanford)

TTB Rating: 86 (rating system)

20Nov 2012
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Recruiting Update: November 20, 2012

Birmingham (MI) Brother Rice linebacker Jon Reschke

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2013
Bloomfield (MI) Brother Rice linebacker Jon Reschke was offered by Michigan.  Reschke is a 6’2″, 230 lb. prospect who committed to Michigan State back in February.  This is a bit of an odd offer because Michigan told guys like E.J. Levenberry, Alex Anzalone, and Shane Jones that they were done recruiting linebackers after Ben Gedeon committed.  I do not think the coaches would go back on their word, so this likely means that a 2013 commit is wavering or a current player is going to wrap up his Michigan career earlier than expected.  Reschke himself is a Michigan State legacy, but MSU’s season has gone downhill; he’s also friends with incoming quarterback Shane Morris.  I was not high on Reschke’s junior film, but his senior highlights below show a kid who has improved significantly since his junior year.

ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2014
Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake wide receiver Artavis Scott was offered by Michigan.  Scott is a 5’11”, 180 lb. prospect with offers from Florida, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and South Carolina, among others.  He’s also the teammate of fellow 2014 offeree Mason Cole, an offensive lineman who said that the offer to Scott helps Michigan’s chances.  Both Cole and Scott have visited Michigan this year, which is significant since they came all the way from Florida.

MISCELLANEOUS
Check out the Recruit Tracker series to see how Michigan’s 2013 and 2014 commits are doing.

In case you’re interested, Duluth (GA) Peachtree Ridge offensive tackle Orlando Brown – the 6’9″, 375 lb. behemoth – finally has a highlight film posted.

Also, Chicago (IL) Hales Franciscan offensive tackle Denzel Ward, who is committed to Michigan for 2014, released his film yesterday.  The kid is very athletic, and it’s immediately obvious why Michigan offered him.

23Oct 2012
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Recruit Tracker: Denzel Ward

August 25, 2012: Chicago (IL) Hales Franciscan beat Oak Park (IL) Fenwick by a score of 45-0.  Hales Franciscan is now 1-0.

September 1, 2012: Hales Franciscan beat Chicago (IL) Leo by a score of 20-12.  Hales Franciscan is now 2-0.

September 8, 2012: Hales Franciscan beat Chicago (IL) Julian by a score of 34-8.  Hales Franciscan is now 3-0.

September 14, 2012: Hales Franciscan beat Chicago (IL) Gordon Tech by a score of 18-13.  Hales Franciscan is now 4-0.

September 22, 2012: Hales Franciscan beat Lake Forest (IL) Lake Forest Academy by a score of 34-14. Hales Franciscan is now 5-0.

September 28, 2012: Hales Franciscan lost to Chicago (IL) St. Rita by a score of 45-12.  Hales Franciscan is now 5-1.

October 5, 2012: Hales Franciscan lost to Chicago (IL) St. Ignatius by a score of 20-14.  Hales Franciscan is now 5-2.

October 12, 2012: Hales Franciscan beat Westchester (IL) St. Joseph by a score of 69-8.  Hales Franciscan is now 6-2.

October 19, 2012: Hales Franciscan beat Cahokia (IL) Cahokia by a score of 13-0.  Hales Franciscan is now 7-2.

23Oct 2012
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Recruiting Update: October 23, 2012

Denzel Ward and Chantel Jennings

COMMITMENT
Chicago (IL) Hales Franciscan offensive tackle Denzel Ward committed to Michigan.

MISCELLANEOUS
You can check out how the 2013 and 2014 commits are doing this season with our recruit tracker posts.

Here’s a list of visitors from Saturday’s game against Michigan State.  I’ve updated a few things since it was posted originally, so you may want to check it out again if you haven’t seen it since it first went up.