2012 Season Countdown: #50 Josh Furman
Josh Furman (#14) blocks a punt against Nebraska (image via AnnArbor.com) |
Name: Josh Furman
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 208 lbs.
High school: Annapolis (MD) Old Mill
Position: Safety
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #14
Last year: I ranked Furman #52 and said he would be a backup safety and a special teams contributor. He was both, making 10 tackles and blocking a punt.
Furman was a main cog of Michigan’s special teams units last season, playing a good deal on coverage units. He played in just two games as a reserve safety, however, and what I’ve seen of him still makes me question whether he can play the position at this level. As a downhill, attacking linebacker in high school, he was at his best. Reading plays and dropping into pass coverage do not seem to be his strong suits, but perhaps further experience will help him there. Unfortunately, he spent spring practices dealing with a legal issue that was overblown by the prosecutor, so he probably didn’t get much better in the spring.
As far as his prospects go for the 2012 season, they don’t look much more involved than 2011. Furman has practiced at both safety spots, but both starters return (Thomas Gordon at free safety, Jordan Kovacs at strong). Backup safety Troy Woolfolk graduated, but true freshman Jarrod Wilson got a lot of reps in the spring as an early enrollee. Wilson’s upside is probably higher than Furman’s, but the freshman is less physically ready. Redshirt freshman Tamani Carter may also work his way into the mix, although he was not a highly regarded recruit and missed much of the spring dealing with the same legal issue as Furman. The Maryland native should once again contribute heavily on special teams, but will probably not be counted on in key defensive situations.
Prediction: Backup safety, special teams contributor