All-Star Game Recaps

Tag: Kevin Koger

23Jan 2012
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All-Star Game Recaps

Kevin Koger caught only one pass for eight yards in Saturday’s East-West Shrine game, but he impressed during the week leading up to the event and is the first player mentioned in a Sports Illustrated article identifying the game’s 10 best practice performers. Koger played fullback and H-back for the West, notching a key block on Tyler Hansen’s quarterback draw touchdown run and showing some awareness by picking up a botched snap exchange. SI writer Tony Pauline has this to say about the four-year starter:

“Koger was lost for much of the past three seasons in a Michigan offense that had little use for a tight end, but he displayed NFL ability in a big way. Koger was a dominant blocker all practice long, stopping opponents dead in their tracks. He made a terrific 25-yard reception down the seam in scrimmage, displaying natural pass catching skills. Koger lacks the foot speed to be a true down field threat, but at a position that’s thin on talent in April’s draft, he could be the biggest sleeper of them all.”

SI’s list of practice standouts also praises Iowa cornerback Shaun Prater and Michigan State wide receiver BJ Cunningham. Junior Hemingway wasn’t mentioned in the article, and he didn’t get to play in the Shrine Game, either, due to a hamstring injury. Koger’s West team won the game, 24-17.

Michael Shaw tried to turn some NFL heads while playing in the Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game in Tuscon, Arizona last week. His Stars (East) team was defeated on a late touchdown from the Stripes (West), 24-21, but Shaw gained 29 yards on seven carries in the game, including a 16 yard run. In an interview with the Tuscon Citizen, Shaw spoke positively of Rich Rodriguez, saying that he expects his former coach to compete well against Oregon and USC in the Pac 12. He also spoke about his running style and what he’s trying to prove to NFL scouts.

“I want to show them that I’m an every-down back. I have speed, but I don’t want speed to be my crutch. I love to run inside. I love to be physical.”

Martavious Odoms caught one pass for 23 yards in the Battle of Florida All-Star Game. His South team, coached by Miami Hurricanes legend Howard Schnellenberger, was rolled, 51-3, by Bobby Bowden’s North squad. Marell Evans was scheduled to compete in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Saturday, but no statistics appear to be available for him (EDIT: According to Evans’s Twitter, he made 9 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass breakup. -Thunder).

21Jan 2012
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East West Shrine Game

Tight end Kevin Koger will be playing in next Saturday’s East West Shrine Game

The East West Shrine Game will be played on January 21, 2012, at 4:00 p.m. and will be aired on the NFL Network.  Only seniors are invited to the game, and it’s typically a chance for under-the-radar prospects or kids who have “something left to prove” to show their talents on a national stage and in front of some pro coaches and scouts.

Participants who might be of interest to Michigan fans:

EAST
Robert Blanton – CB – Notre Dame
Danny Coale – WR – Virginia Tech
B.J. Cunningham – WR – Michigan State
Gary Gray – CB – Notre Dame
Joe Long – OT – Wayne State
Nick Sukay – LB – Penn State

WEST
Miles Burris – LB – San Diego State
Austin Cassidy – S – Nebraska
Chris Greenwood – CB – Albion
Junior Hemingway – WR – Michigan*
Aaron Henry – S – Wisconsin
Marcel Jones – OT – Nebraska
Kevin Koger – TE – Michigan
Al Netter – OT – Northwestern
Dan Persa – QB – Northwestern
Shaun Prater – CB – Iowa
Markus Zusevics – OG – Iowa

*Inactive due to hamstring injury

20Dec 2011
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Tight Ends Preview: Michigan vs. Virginia Tech

Kevin Koger looks dapper in a suit that he stole from my closet.  He can keep the tie, though.
(image via Michigan Daily)

MICHIGAN
Starter: Senior Kevin Koger finished the season with 21 receptions for 235 yards (11.2 yards per catch) and 4 touchdowns.  Koger has had an up-and-down career after earning the starting TE job as a true freshman in 2008.  He has alternated amazing catches (see the 2009 Western Michigan game) with a frustrating number of drops.  However, he’s a solid and willing blocker who can be effective in the running game as an in-line blocker or in open space.
Backups: Fifth year senior Steve Watson has been the second tight end for most of the season.  Watson has previously played outside linebacker and defensive end, too, before switching back to TE prior to the 2011 season; Watson’s only career reception was a 9-yard touchdown against Northwestern.  Redshirt junior Brandon Moore also caught 1 pass for 9 yards this season, but not for a touchdown.  Moore is used mostly in short yardage and goal line situations.

VIRGINIA TECH
Starter: Fifth year senior Chris Drager is a 6’4″, 264 lb. former defensive end.  He started 11 games at defensive end in 2010 (stats: 34 tackles, 2 sacks) before switching to offense during the offseason.  As one might expect from a former defensive player, he’s a solid blocker, although his 14 total receptions for 186 yards (13.3 yards per catch) and 2 touchdowns aren’t too imposing.
Backups: Redshirt sophomore Eric Martin is a 6’2″, 269 lb. blocking tight end with 2 catches for 17 yards (8.5 yards per catch) and 1 touchdown.  Randall Dunn and George George (no, that’s not a typo) have combined for 3 receptions, 47 yards, and 1 touchdown.

THE TAKEAWAY
The edge in athleticism goes to Kevin Koger, who not only has better stats but fits Michigan’s spread-ish offense well and can get in the way downfield.  Koger also has the ability to stretch the field with his above average speed.  The Hokies’ tight ends have a size advantage (all three Michigan tight ends are between 255-258 lbs.) and are effective blockers for running back David Wilson.  Since it’s tough to gauge blocking ability compared to receiving skills, I think a slight edge goes to . . .
Advantage: Michigan

3Sep 2011
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Preview: Michigan vs. Western Michigan

It’s been a busy week, what with the 2011 Season Countdown finishing up, the beginning of college football, my real job, and all the coaching stuff.  I didn’t have time for a true game preview, but you’ve seen enough of those by now, anyway.

Predictions

  • Starting running back Fitzgerald Toussaint goes for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns
  • Denard throws for 200 yards and runs for 100
  • Kevin Koger catches a TD pass from Denard
  • Somebody records career interception #1
  • Michigan gets 4 of those “sack” thingies that I vaguely remember 
  • Final score: Michigan 35, Western Michigan 14
Poll Results
Michigan wins by multiple scores: 86%
Michigan wins by one score: 10%
Western Michigan wins by one score: 0%
Western Michigan wins by multiple scores: 4%