Tag: Matthew Hibner

Thoughts on 2023 Spring Game

Okay, it’s time to put some thoughts about the spring game on paper.

QUARTERBACK: We know what J.J. McCarthy brings to the table, and Michigan was never going to let him factor into the run game, so whatever. This comes down to thoughts on the backups. After watching Michigan have a good 1-2 punch the past two years with McCarthy and Cade McNamara, there is a big question mark at the #2 quarterback spot in 2023. I thought redshirt sophomore Davis Warren once again outplayed the competition, which comes from Alex Orji and Indiana transfer Jack Tuttle. Tuttle had a couple decent throws and showed some decent athleticism on the run, but Warren is more accurate and probably a better decision maker, despite the fact that Tuttle is a sixth-year player. Orji has decent arm strength but leaves something to be desired when it comes to his timing and accuracy; running is the best part of his game, and he’s a change-up guy. I would put him at #4 on the depth chart.

Hit the jump for more.

2020 Season Countdown: #75 Matthew Hibner

Name: Matthew Hibner
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 230 lbs.
High school: Burke (VA) Lake Braddock
Position: Tight end
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Hibner was a senior in high school (LINK). He caught 42 passes for 940 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with making 96 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 8 pass breakups on defense.
TTB Rating: 72

I guess I must have gone crazy for a while, because I don’t think I realized that Matthew Hibner – a little known recruit before committing to Michigan – finished up as the #12 tight end and #396 overall player in the 2020 class. It doesn’t surprise me so much from a talent standpoint, but it does represent a giant leap in the rankings.

Josh Gattis has mentioned that he likes guys with athleticism and basketball-type skills at tight end, and Hibner seems to have some of those talents. Lake Braddock split him out wide quite a bit, had him running deep routes, and even threw some quick screens to him. To average over 20 yards per reception on 42 catches is pretty impressive. Hibner is a natural athlete who can do a lot of different things. That doesn’t mean he will get on the field much in 2020, but he does have future potential. I think Michigan will be a little more spread-heavy in 2020 and de-emphasize the tight ends a little bit. Hibner should be the fourth tight end, but the #4 tight end isn’t critical.

Prediction: Backup tight end

Hit the jump for his senior highlights.

Senior Highlights: TE Matt Hibner

How does the 2020 class match up with Michigan’s all-time recruits?

Michigan wrapped up a decent recruiting class earlier in February. There are no 5-star recruits, but the Wolverines got a fair share of 4-star guys. For a historical perspective on where they match up with recruits from the past, here’s a look at where they slot in all-time, according to the 247 Composite.

A.J. Henning – WR – Frankfort (IL) Lincoln-Way East
2020 ranking: #101
Historical ranking: #80 all-time at Michigan
Flanked by: RB Kareem Walker (#100 in 2016) and DT Will Johnson (#105 in 2004)
Closest positional comparisons: Toney Clemons (#96 in 2007) and Adrian Arrington (#115 in 2004)

Braiden McGregor – DE – Port Huron (MI) Northern
2020 ranking: #122
Historical ranking: #103
Tied with: WR Tarik Black (#122 in 2017)
Closest positional comparisons: Aidan Hutchinson (#112 in 2018) and Chris Wormley (#129 in 2012)

Hit the jump for more.

Visitors: 2019 BBQ at the Big House

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The BBQ at the Big House will take place on July 27. With so many 2020 commitments right now, this probably won’t be a big weekend for the current class, but more for the rising juniors in the 2021 class.

2020

Reece Atteberry – C – Centennial (CO) Eaglecrest: Atteberry is committed to Michigan (LINK).

Blake Corum – RB – Baltimore (MD) St. Frances: Corum is committed to Michigan (LINK).

Eamonn Dennis – ATH – Worcester (MA) St. John’s: Dennis is committed to Michigan (LINK).

Hit the jump for more.