Let’s see more of this guy on offense . . . Jon Runyan, Jr. Ryan Hayes had an excellent debut against Middle Tennessee State last week, and this week he fell back to Earth. He was (from what I could tell) responsible for two sacks, both of which resulted in fumbles by Shea Patterson. I think he will be a good player in the long run, but he’s not ready yet.
Hit the jump for more.
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Name: Jordan Anthony
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 245 lbs.
High school: Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #34
Last year: I ranked Anthony #78 and said he would be a backup linebacker and special teamer (LINK). He played in seven games and made 4 tackles.
TTB Rating: 79
Some people might say it’s getting late early for Jordan Anthony. It’s hard to remember that he was a 5-star prospect to Rivals in 2017 and ranked no lower than #107 overall to any of the sites (that was 247 Sports). He redshirted as a freshman and only played linebacker in four games as a redshirt freshman.
Don Brown has rather consistently just stuck with a three-man rotation at inside linebacker during key moments during his three years as Michigan’s defensive coordinator. Anthony was the odd man out last season when Joshua Ross got a bunch of snaps, and this year that odd man out looks to be Cameron McGrone. I think the battle between Anthony and McGrone is a pretty tight one, but I think Anthony will take the victory by a hair. The big question is what happens going forward into 2020. Anthony, McGrone, and the two starters (Ross and Devin Gil) will still have eligibility, leaving a logjam at the position unless someone leaves for the NFL.
Prediction: Backup inside linebacker
Shea Patterson (image via Bleacher Report)
Let’s see more of this guy on offense . . . Christian Turner. Why Christian Turner? Toward the end of last week’s blowout win against Penn State, Michigan was still running zone read options with quarterbacks Shea Patterson and Dylan McCaffrey. I was afraid it would get one of them injured, and it turns out McCaffrey broke his right collarbone and will be out for the year. If Michigan gets in another blowout situation – which is a strong possibility this week against Rutgers – then I would prefer to see the quarterbacks hand off to Turner (or other backup running backs).
Hit the jump for more thoughts on the game.
Jordan Anthony
Name: Jordan Anthony
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 236 lbs.
High school: Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #34
Last year: I ranked Anthony #58 and said he would be a backup linebacker (LINK). He redshirted.
I predicted last year that Anthony would be an early contributor because Michigan doesn’t mind small-ish linebackers, and he’s an athletic kid who could help on special teams. That was a swing and a miss. Michigan did play a freshman linebacker, but it was Josh Ross. Anthony stayed off the field and will be a redshirt freshman this fall.
It’s a total crap shoot with Anthony right now, along with a lot of players, because we weren’t able to see spring practice and there was no spring game. Michigan is trying to replace Mike McCray II, but Anthony doesn’t seem to be in the running to take that spot at WILL linebacker. Otherwise, there’s not much playing time opening up this season. Ross and Devin Gil seem like the most likely options for that spot, and Anthony’s best chance for contributions probably will come on special teams. There’s often room for 235 lb. guys who can run on specials, so that’s where I expect to see him in 2018.
Prediction: Backup linebacker, special teamer
Bryan Mone and Chase Winovich (image via iSportsWeb)
I addressed potential offensive attrition last week (LINK), and here’s the defensive edition. As I mentioned in that previous post, this is about the depth chart and opportunity for playing time; these posts are not about rumors or talent judgments.
DEFENSIVE LINE: First of all, it’s important to note that there are few places in the country where defensive linemen get better coaching than Michigan. If you want to be good and have the ability, Michigan gives you as good of a chance as anyone. It’s not like Alabama or Clemson, where elite recruits simply continue to be elite. It’s a place where walk-ons (Ryan Glasgow) and lowly 3-stars (Frank Clark, Maurice Hurst) can be turned into high draft picks. But if you’re not on their level, you won’t get on the field. In that regard, there are a few guys who are buried on the depth chart. One is defensive end Reuben Jones (RS Jr.), who has been passed by younger guys, and another is Ron Johnson (RS So.), who has bounced between defensive end and defensive tackle. Both are finding it difficult to find the field. Meanwhile, interior players Lawrence Marshall (RS Sr.) and Bryan Mone (RS Sr.) have both been passed by younger guys, most notably Aubrey Solomon, a 2017 signee. Michigan rotates defensive linemen quite a bit, so there’s playing time available for both, but becoming a starter would be a tall order. Most importantly of all, there’s a chance that Chase Winovich (RS Sr.) might enter the NFL Draft.
Hit the jump for a discussion of the linebackers and defensive backs.