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| Joe Bolden (image via Detroit News) |
Wolverine Nation’s Tom Van Haaren recently conducted interviews with early enrollee Joe Bolden, from Cincinnati (OH) Colerain, and Bolden’s father. The younger Bolden won me over by saying his favorite movie is Band of Brothers, even though it’s not technically a movie.
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| Joe Bolden (#27) helps tackle Wes Brown in Thursday’s Under Armour All-America Game (image via Cincinnati.com) |
Magnus –
This week there has been a lot of buzz about how well Joe Bolden is playing. Of the four incoming linebackers (all of which you list on your site as inside linebackers) I’m wondering how you see them fitting into the scheme and depth chart. More specifically: Demens is a solid multi-year starter who will anchor the middle next year and be replaced by someone the following year – who do you think is the best fit? Morgan is limited athletically but as a freshman proved to be a quality contributor and should only get better – do you see any of the freshmen threatening his starting spot next year or beyond that? Do you see any of these recruits changing positions to DE or OLB? Has Bolden’s performance this week changed your rating of him?
Also, could you maybe talk about the differences in physical traits that you’d want between the Will and Mike positions? My understanding is that the 4-3 under is pretty similar to a 3-4 defense and that both the MIKE and WILL are essentially classic middle linebackers. Is that true?
Adam Gurnee, IL
Thanks for the question, Adam. I list all four incoming linebackers as “inside linebackers” because in the 4-3 Under, there are two inside linebackers and one outside linebacker. Against a base offense, both the WILL and MIKE playing between the tackles and are mostly interchangeable. They essentially have the same responsibility against the run, although obviously offensive formations and plays change things a little bit. If Michigan ran a 4-3 Over or a Tampa Two defense, then I would consider the WILL an outside linebacker and the MIKE an inside ‘backer. For further schematic explation, check out this post from last spring.
Both Joe Bolden and Royce Jenkins-Stone have been recruited to play MIKE. James Ross and Kaleb Ringer have been recruited to play WILL.
I believe the best fit to replace Demens in a couple years is Desmond Morgan. Morgan is already 220-225 lbs. and a good height (in other words, not too tall) to take on lead blocks from fullbacks. Brady Hoke clearly values experience (why else would Troy Woolfolk start for the entire season?), and I think that will give Morgan the upper hand in the fight for the middle linebacker job, even if a guy like Joe Bolden is hot on his heels. I also think Morgan lacks the necessary athleticism to start at WILL for the next three years, because he’s too slow to cover running backs and slot receivers in space. He’s a short-term plug at WILL, not a long-term answer, in my opinion.
I do not think Morgan’s starting spot at WILL is etched in stone for next season. He had a solid year but not a great one, and as I said above, his skill set isn’t perfect for the position. If incoming freshman James Ross can add just a little bit of weight, I think he has a decent shot at unseating Desmond Morgan or at least getting some snaps as a backup. Ross diagnoses plays as quickly as I have ever seen a high schooler, and that’s a key component of playing WILL in this defense. The weakside ‘backer is often unblocked or targeted on play action passes, so it’s very important that he’s an intelligent player. I think that’s why Morgan found time there as a freshman, and I think that’s why Ross has a shot there, too.
I do not foresee any of these linebackers playing defensive end, but there is a possibility that Jenkins-Stone could turn into a SAM. He’s a tall, lean guy and if he can get in the weight room and pack on some pounds, then he could be an attacker in the mold of Jake Ryan. However, depth is needed at middle linebacker, so my guess is that he stays there, at least for a couple seasons. Bolden is a talented kid but has less position flexibility, so if Jenkins-Stone presses for playing time, then I could see him playing SAM to get all the talent spread out among the three linebacker positions.
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| Uriah LeMay (#81) was offered by Michigan late last week (image via Mint Hill Times) |
ADDED TO THE BOARD
Wylie (TX) East wide receiver Marcell Ateman, a 2013 prospect, was offered on Saturday. Ateman is a 6’5″, 180 lb. kid with offers from Arizona, Baylor, and Tennessee. Last season he caught 67 passes for 1,047 yards and 10 touchdowns. Ateman isn’t a burner, but he’s a legitimate jump ball threat with his size
Washington (D.C.) H.D. Woodson cornerback Kenny Crawley de-committed from Tennessee. Crawley is rumored to be unhappy with the coaching situation for the Volunteers and will likely go elsewhere for college. His destination probably won’t be Michigan, however.
Oxon Hill (MD) Potomac cornerback Ronald Darby de-committed from Notre Dame. Darby is a 5’11”, 172 lb. athlete with elite speed (a reported 4.37 forty). Darby has never shown much interest in Michigan and instead plans to concentrate on Auburn, Clemson, Florida State, and LSU.
Monaca (PA) Central Valley wide receiver Robert Foster, a 2013 prospect, was offered by Michigan. Foster is a 6’3″, 170 lb. speedster with offers from Florida, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, and USC, among others. He has been named a 5-star already by Scout.
Matthews (NC) Butler wide receiver Uriah LeMay, a 2013 prospect, received an offer from Michigan. The 6’2″, 188 lb. prospect attends the alma mater of former Michigan safety Jamar Adams and 2011 linebacker Kris Frost, and he’s also the younger brother of class of 2011 quarterback Christian LeMay, whom Rich Rodriguez offered and now plays for Georgia. Uriah has offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Virginia Tech, among others.
Charlotte (NC) Mallard Creek wide receiver Marquez North, a 2013 prospect, received his offer from the Wolverines. North’s former teammate is D.J. Humphries, a class of 2012 offensive tackle who is committed to Florida. The 6’3″, 205 lb. receiver has offers from Clemson, Florida, South Carolina, and many others.
OFF THE BOARD
Miami (FL) Norland linebacker Keith Brown committed to Louisville at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Brown had been committed to Illinois at one point, but the firing of Ron Zook sent him southward.
Olney (MD) Good Counsel running back Wes Brown committed to Maryland at the Under Armour All-America Game. The 6’1″, 200-pounder is the former teammate of Michigan cornerback Blake Countess and uncommitted 2012 wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Miami (FL) Columbus safety Deon Bush committed to Miami at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The 6’1″, 185-pounder picked a Hurricanes hat over those from Alabama and Auburn.
Baltimore (MD) Gilman cornerback Cyrus Jones committed to Alabama at the Under Armour All-America Game. Jones is an all-around athlete with the ability to run (948 yards, 13 touchdowns), catch (635 yards, 6 touchdowns), return (4 return touchdowns), and cover (3 interceptions).
Monrovia (CA) Monrovia defensive tackle Ellis McCarthy committed to Cal at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. McCarthy is listed at 6’5″, 311 lbs. but was quick enough to play defensive end for the West Team.
Tampa (FL) Jefferson defensive end Tyriq McCord committed to Miami at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The 6’3″, 222 lb. edge rusher was praised this week for his speed around the corner and how quickly he got after the quarterbacks.
Centerville (OH) Centerville defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo committed to Northwestern on Saturday. Odenigbo mentioned repeatedly that he would be choosing his school based largely on academics, and he couldn’t really go wrong with become a Wildcat. Odenigbo did an excellent job of rushing the passer in the Under Armour All-America Game.
Westlake Village (CA) Oaks Christian wide receiver Jordan Payton committed to Cal on Friday. At one time Payton looked like a lock to Michigan and there were rumors that he had committed to the Wolverines, but as time wore on, he also became enamored with Notre Dame and then Cal. Payton was committed to USC at one time, too.
Ramsey (NJ) Don Bosco Prep safety Elijah Shumate committed to Notre Dame at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Shumate is the teammate of Michigan target Yuri Wright, who also played in the game but did not announce a college destination.
Sacramento (CA) Grant safety Shaq Thompson committed to Cal at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Thompson is 6’1″, 195 lbs. but played like a man child in Saturday’s game. Thompson was considering an official visit to Michigan at one point, but that seemed to be in connection with Jordan Payton’s interest in the Wolverines. Once Payton’s interest waned, Thompson’s did, too.
ALL-STAR GAMES
Cincinnati (OH) Colerain linebacker Joe Bolden was named a captain and starter for the Black Team in the Under Armour All-America Game. Bolden was praised throughout the week of practice for his instincts, intensity, and hitting. In the game he was once again solid, making 7 total tackles. Rivals crowned him the best tackler at the game, which bodes well for his future as a middle linebacker at Michigan. The 6’2″, 225-pounder graduated early and is enrolled at Michigan, where he’ll take part in spring practices. Perhaps more importantly, he will join Jake Ryan in the ranks of dreamy, long-haired linebackers.
Detroit (MI) Cass Tech linebacker Royce Jenkins-Stone started at middle linebacker for the West Team in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He made 1 tackle but showed good speed and was hustling on special teams. The East ran the ball outside most of the time, so he didn’t get a ton of chances to make plays in the middle.
Lakewood (OH) St. Edward’s offensive guard Kyle Kalis played about half the game at right guard for the East Team and looked quite capable. He was among the East’s top performers on the offensive line throughout the week, and several national observers noted that his technique looks solid. They also noted that he looked more comfortable at guard than tackle, which Kalis himself acknowledged at one point. I have always maintained that he looked like a future guard to me, so I’m glad national scouts – and Kalis – seem to agree.
Carlsbad (CA) La Costa Canyon offensive tackle Erik Magnuson started for the West Team in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The 6’6″, 280 lb. future left tackle played all five positions during West Team practices this past week, but started the game at left guard and held up very well against the East. He looked a little uncomfortable in his stance, but he kept his feet moving well and made some impressive seal blocks in a game that defensive linemen usually dominate.
Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison defensive end Mario Ojemudia played defensive end for the East Team in the inaugural Semper Fi All-American Game. He did not get off the ball as well as I expected him to, but that may be because he was playing a new position. Despite being headed for DE or OLB at Michigan, he mostly played defensive tackle in high school. Without the ball right under his nose, he seemed to be a little slow off the snap. However, he was very good at using his hands to get off of blocks.
Kansas City (MO) Park Hill defensive tackle Ondre Pipkins didn’t start the game, but was named a captain for the West Team in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He was somewhat inconsistent with his pad level and seemed a little out of shape, which is understandable for a 330 lb. kid at the beginning of January. However, when he decided to hustle, he was very good. Pipkins chased down East quarterback Chad Voytik on the sideline and crushed him, and he also chased down wide receiving/running back Stefon Diggs and forced a fumble. Overall, the hype on Pipkins was justified and with a little conditioning, he should be at least backup material next season.
Detroit (MI) Cass Tech cornerback Terry Richardson played defense and also returned kickoffs and punts for the Black Team in the Under Armour All-America Game. Richardson showed good speed and decent elusiveness in returning a kickoff 32 yards and another 28 yards, but unfortunately he carries the ball a little loosely and fumbled the 28-yard return; his punt returns were iffy with one muff and one poor decision to catch the ball at the 6-yard line. He also showed the ability to hang with the nation’s best receivers, although Richardson didn’t have any big plays on defense. He was beaten for a touchdown in the third quarter, but had pretty good coverage and reached his hand across just a split second too late to deflect the pass. The 5’9″, 165 lb. Richardson needs to get a little bit thicker, because he tends to get pushed around by some of the bigger receivers.
Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary’s linebacker James Ross started for the West Team at weakside linebacker in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Ross made 3 total tackles and flashed what I think is his biggest strength, which is diagnosing plays. If it’s a run, he knows it’s a run. If it’s a pass, he knows it’s a pass. Ross took some poor angles at times, which may be partly due to adjusting to faster competition. But he does have the speed to make those plays when he takes the proper angles, so I’m not too concerned there.
Overall, it was a very good showing for the Michigan players who participated in the all-star games, especially the guys in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. This looks to be the best crop of Army Bowl participants Michigan has snagged in years.
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| Terry Richardson is one of two Michigan commits scheduled to participate in tonight’s Under Armour All-American Game |
Under Armour All-America Game
January 5, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL
Past Michigan commitments to have participated in the UAAAG can be found here.
Black Team (Highlight) targets:
Nelson Agholor – WR – Florida
Kwon Alexander – LB – Alabama
Evan Boehm – OG – Missouri (Missouri)
Joe Bolden – LB – Ohio (Michigan, commitment post here)
Connor Brewer – QB – Arizona (Texas)
Patrick DeStefano – OG – South Carolina (Clemson)
Devonte Fields – DE – Texas (TCU)
Eddie Goldman – DT – Washington, D.C.
Jordan Jenkins – DE – Georgia
Peter Jinkens – LB – Texas (Texas)
Ifeadi Odenigbo – DE – Ohio
Andrus Peat – OT – Nebraska
Terry Richardson – CB – Michigan (Michigan, commitment post here)
Dalton Santos – LB – Texas (Texas)
Noah Spence – DE – Pennsylvania (Ohio State)
Avery Young – OT – Florida
White Team (Blur) targets:*
Wes Brown – RB – Maryland**
Ronald Darby – CB – Maryland (Notre Dame)
Mario Edwards – DE – Texas (Florida State)
Joshua Garnett – OT – Washington
Avery Johnson – WR – Florida (LSU)
Cyrus Jones – CB – Maryland**
Zach Kline – QB – California (Cal)
Mike Madaras – OT – Maryland (Maryland)
Keith Marshall – RB – North Carolina (Georgia)
Marcus Maye – S – Florida (Florida)
LaTroy Pittman – WR – Florida (Florida)
Brian Poole – CB – Florida (Florida)
Darius Powe – WR – California (Cal)
Sean Price – TE – Florida (South Florida)
Brock Stadnik – OT – North Carolina (South Carolina)
Jonathan Taylor – DT – Georgia (Georgia)
*Former Wolverines running back and current Detroit (MI) Cass Tech head coach Thomas Wilcher will be the running backs coach for the White Team
**Announcing commitment during the game
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| Terry Richardson is Rivals’ #217 overall players |
Yesterday Rivals released the top 100 prospects for 2012, which I detailed yesterday afternoon.
Today Rivals released the rest of the Rivals 250.
Notable movement for Michigan commits since the August re-rank:
– Joe Bolden jumped from #184 to #152
– James Ross dropped from #158 to #163
– Royce Jenkins-Stone dropped from #97 to #182
– Terry Richardson dropped from #214 to #217
Here’s a look at Michigan targets from #101 to #250:
105. Dillon Lee – LB – Georgia (Alabama)
106. Cyrus Jones – ATH – Maryland
109. Ifeadi Odenigbo – DE – Ohio
120. Jordan Payton – WR – California
123. Peter Jinkens – LB – Texas (Texas)
125. LaDarrell McNeill – S – Texas (Tennessee)
127. Drae Bowles – WR – Tennessee (Tennessee)
128. Elijah Shumate – S – New Jersey
133. Ty Darlington – C – Florida (Oklahoma)
136. Bri’onte Dunn – RB – Ohio (Ohio State)
141. Javonte Magee – DE – Texas
143. Dalvin Tomlinson – DT – Texas
144. Evan Boehm – OG – Missouri
145. Zeke Pike – QB – Kentucky (Auburn)
147. Paul Thurston – OT – Colorado (Nebraska)
152. Joe Bolden – LB – Ohio (Michigan)
153. Dan Voltz – OT – Illinois (Wisconsin)
156. Sean Price – TE – Florida (South Florida)
157. Danny O’Brien – DT – Michigan (Tennessee)
159. Jarron Jones – DT – New York (Notre Dame)
160. Jaleel Johnson – DT – Illinois (Iowa)
161. Jake Rodrigues – QB – California (Oregon)
162. Camren Williams – LB – Massachusetts (Penn State)
163. James Ross – LB – Michigan (Michigan)
165. Devonte Fields – DE – Texas (TCU)
166. Michael Starts – DE – Texas (Texas Tech)
167. Matt Jones – RB – Florida (Florida)
169. Dwayne Stanford – WR – Ohio (Oregon)
172. Deontay McManus – WR – Maryland (West Virginia)
174. Kyle Dodson – OT – Ohio (Wisconsin)
176. Connor Brewer – QB – Arizona (Texas)
182. Royce Jenkins-Stone – LB – Michigan (Michigan)
183. Brock Stadnik – OT – North Carolina (South Carolina)
186. Michael Moore – DE – Maryland (Virginia)
188. Greg McMullen – DE – Ohio (Nebraska)
197. Derek Edinburgh – OT – Louisiana (LSU)
198. Adam Bisnowaty – OT – Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh)
202. Ken Ekanem – DE – Virginia
204. Shane Callahan – OT – Colorado (Auburn)
208. Amara Darboh – WR – Iowa
209. Martin Aiken – DE – South Carolina (Clemson)
211. Leonte Carroo – WR – New Jersey (Rutgers)
212. Latroy Pittman – WR – Florida (Florida)
213. Armani Reeves – CB – Massachusetts (Penn State)
215. Taylor Decker – OT – Ohio (Notre Dame)
217. Terry Richardson – CB – Michigan (Michigan)
227. Jody Fuller – WR – North Carolina (South Carolina)
228. Warren Ball – RB – Ohio (Ohio State)
232. Troy Hinds – DE – Utah (BYU)
235. Reginald Davis – WR – Texas (Texas Tech)
237. I’Tavius Mathers – RB – Tennessee (Mississippi)
239. Alex Kozan – OT – Colorado
242. Sheldon Day – DT – Indiana (Notre Dame)
248. Darius Powe – WR – California
249. Wes Brown – RB – Maryland