Tag: Tony Posada

Ex-Wolverines: Class of 2011

Here’s a look back at the recruits who did not pan out for Michigan in 2011, the transition class between Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke.

TRANSFERS

Chris Barnett – Tight end – Hurst (TX) L.D. Bell
Barnett was an outstanding tight end coming out of high school.  He tore his ACL during his senior year and struggled to regain his playing shape.  When he arrived at Michigan in the summer of 2011 for his freshman season, he weighed 278 lbs.  By late August the distance from home, the summer classwork, and the required physical conditioning forced him to leave the program and re-evaluate his options.  He enrolled at a Texas junior college, but left that program.
Current status: Unknown

Russell Bellomy – Quarterback – Arlington (TX) Martin
After the decommitment of Kevin Sousa in December 2010 (see below), Michigan was scrambling for a more traditional quarterback, whereas Sousa had been a dual-threat guy. He was previously committed to Purdue, but that changed when Michigan came calling. He redshirted in 2011. Then he played in five games in 2012, including stepping in for Denard Robinson against Nebraska, which was an ugly performance (3/16, 38 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT), and stuck around through 2014. Altogether, he was 4/23 for 46 yards and 4 interceptions at Michigan. He transferred to UTSA as a senior in 2015, completing 4/10 passes for 39 yards and rushing 7 times for 21 yards.
Current status: Out of football

Greg Brown – Cornerback – Fremont (OH) Ross
Brown was the first commitment of the 2011 class after choosing the Wolverines in September of 2009.  He enrolled early in January 2011, but was one of those kids who was caught in the middle between Rich Rodriguez and Brady Hoke.  Rodriguez recruited him, but he wasn’t fired until January, when Brown was already on campus.  The cornerback received mixed reviews in spring practices and played sparingly on special teams at the beginning of the 2011 season, but decided to transfer mid-season.  He played sparingly for Findlay in 2012, then transferred to Iowa Central Community College prior to the 2013 season.
Current status: Out of football

Hit the jump for more.

Ex-Wolverine Updates: The Class of 2011

Oklahoma’s Kellen Jones (#52) and Tony Jefferson bring down Iowa C.J. Fiedorowicz in the endzone (image via Greenwich Time)

Former Michigan cornerback Greg Brown left the program mid-season and has transferred to Findlay, a D-II school.

Former Michigan commit and current Miami Hurricane defensive back Dallas Crawford redshirted this past season.

Former Michigan commit and current Oregon Duck offensive tackle Jake Fisher played a backup role in 13 games this season.

Former Michigan commit and current Miami Hurricane kicker Matt Goudis redshirted this past season.

Former Michigan signee and current Oklahoma Sooner linebacker Kellen Jones played as a backup and special teamer in 11 games this past season, making 9 total tackles.

Former Michigan commit and current Wake Forest Demon Deacon quarterback Kevin Sousa redshirted this past season.

The future plans of former Michigan tight end Chris Barnett and former offensive lineman Tony Posada are unknown.  Both decided to leave the program after they were already enrolled at Michigan this past fall.

For recaps of these players and more, check out the Ex-Wolverine Encyclopedia.

2011 Countdown: #88 Tony Posada

Tony Posada looks like a Michigan lineman

Name: Tony Posada
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 315 lbs.
High school: Plant High School in Tampa, FL
Position: Guard/tackle
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #79
Last year: Posada was a high school senior (commitment post here)

TTB Rating: Incomplete, due to lack of film

I never got a great feel for Posada because film on him was scarce.  He’s looked a little soft in the body in virtually every picture I’ve seen, and most 300+ pounders in high school have some work to do on their conditioning.  As for his technique, footwork, and athleticism, well, that’s anyone’s guess right now.  I’ll reserve judgment.  However, I was impressed with former Michigan offensive line coach Greg Frey’s ability to scout and develop offensive linemen, so I do have some faith that Posada will at least be serviceable.

But it’s usually a safe bet for true freshman linemen to redshirt, and I don’t expect anything different from Posada.  Offensive guard is a deep position group on this unit, so he can take his time to learn the position.  In fact, I wouldn’t expect to see him compete for playing time until at least 2013.

Projection: Redshirt

Tony Posada, Wolverine

Michigan received its tenth commitment of the Class of 2011 Wednesday, getting a pledge from Tampa offensive lineman Tony Posada. Posada is a 6’5″, 315 lb. offensive tackle from Plant High School, which is also the home of James Wilder, Jr., a highly touted running back (Michigan has offered Wilder, but the interest seems unrequited). He chose the Wolverines over offers from Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, South Florida, and Texas Tech, among others. Posada is unranked by Rivals and a 3-star to both Scout and ESPN.

I haven’t seen much of Posada, other than the few glimpses in the video below. He has no highlight videos anywhere on the internet that I have found, so I’m basing all of my opinions on that slice of video and what I’ve gathered from articles and pictures.

Although he’s ranked as an offensive tackle by all three recruiting services, I think Posada’s future is at offensive guard. I’m a rebel like that. One reason is that Posada is 6’5″ (or 6’6″, depending on whom you believe). If you subtract an inch because usually those recruiting sites lie, that means he’s actually 6’4″ or 6’5″. Looking at the heights and body types of Michigan’s current tackles and tackle recruits, they’re all taller and leaner. Taylor Lewan is 6’8″; Perry Dorrestein, Michael Schofield, and recruit Jake Fisher are 6’7″; the shortest of the bunch is Mark Huyge at 6’6″. If Posada is indeed 315 lbs., he’s already heavier than all but Dorrestein (321 lbs.), but his body type suggests a future at guard.

One of the things I have been most impressed with about Michigan has been the development of the offensive line. Guys who couldn’t cut it were quickly run out of the program (Kurt Wermers, Dann O’Neill), and the remaining members of the offensive line seem to be coming along nicely. So while Posada lacks an extremely impressive offer list, I’m beginning to trust more and more the offensive line offers that Rodriguez and offensive line coach Greg Frey extend.

As for the rest of the 2011 class, there are eight remaining spots with the departure of Justin Turner. Michigan will likely take at least one more offensive lineman, possibly two. I expect at least one wide receiver, one running back, one tight end, one defensive tackle, one linebacker, one cornerback, and one safety. It should be a matter of filling out the team right now, not necessarily taking as many stars as possible. With all of the scholarships devoted to running backs and defensive backs, Michigan is running short on scholarship linebackers and tight ends, in particular.