When are we going to start building an offensive line? So far it's been all about QB's, RB's, DB's etc...but at some point don't we need to have a legit college football OL?
When are we going to start building an offensive line? So far it's been all about QB's, RB's, DB's etc...but at some point don't we need to have a legit college football OL?
Sorry it took so long to get this posted. Here is the breakdown of top OL targets for Michigan in the 2016 cycle. Will try to keep updating position groups as the camp circuit gets moving here at the end of the week. (Note: TE and DB boards will probably take some time to get up because the picture is not as clear at those positions as most other positions on the board)
Top OT Targets:
1. COMMIT Erik Swenson ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1601282/highlights/205066383/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1601282/highlights/205066383/v2)-[/link] Been committed since his sophomore season and most people project him as a RT prospect. Huge player that is great run blocker and really drives people off the ball. Has good enough feet to remain a tackle, but probably more suited on the right side. Locks onto defenders and finishes blocks with authority.
Strengths: size, drive blocking, acceleration off the snap
Weaknesses: pass blocking, kick slide
2. Ben Bredeson ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1688531/highlights/220473403/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1688531/highlights/220473403/v2)-[/link] One of my favorite players in this cycle. Great athlete who could play any position on the OL. Most analysts project him to guard, but I see LT all the way. The only thing preventing him from LT is probably one inch of height. Has great feet in both the run game and pass pro and has the athletic build to be a dominant LT. Gets to the second level in a hurry and stones pass rushers off the snap. Reportedly a Michigan, ND, Wisconsin battle.
Strengths: feet, athleticism, frame
Weaknesses: arm length, height for a tackle
3. Devery Hamilton ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1870317/highlights/185722377/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1870317/highlights/185722377/v2)-[/link] Very athletic kid with a great frame to add weight. A lot of his film is at DE, but the film the he does have on offense shows a strong run blocker that gets to the second level effectively. Limited film on him as a pass blocker but has the size and arm length to project to the outside.
Strengths: athleticism, run blocking
Weaknesses: pass pro, experience
4. Alex Akingbulu ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4505802/highlights/198813381/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4505802/highlights/198813381/v2)-[/link] LT prospect that has virtually unlimited upside. Best athlete of all Michigan OL targets and is extremely effective in space. Demonstrates the speed/agility that is perfect for neutralizing edge rushers. Needs to add weight. Reportedly a Michigan/UCLA battle.
Strengths: athleticism, frame, identifying and executing in space
Weaknesses: strength, drive blocking
Top OG Targets:
1. Terrance Davis ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1824681/highlights/219427389/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1824681/highlights/219427389/v2)-[/link] Top guard prospect on Michigan’s board. Blows people off the ball and is very strong at the point of attack. When he locks onto defensive lineman it usually does not end well for the defense. Shows a stout stance to handle DTs in the pass game. Relies on strength a bit too much and needs to improve technique at the next level. Maintaining good weight will be essential moving forward.
Strengths: power, drive blocking, tenacity
Weaknesses: pass pro, athleticism in space, leverage
2.. Will Fries ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2736626/highlights/172966378/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2736626/highlights/172966378/v2)-[/link] Projects to guard at the next level and his ability to pull and his strength in the run game are big reasons for that. Effectively uses leverage to get underneath DL. Displays good feet to play in space. Will need to add weight and improve his pass blocking at the next level.
Strengths: identifying in space, run blocking
Weaknesses: size, pass pro technique
3. COMMIT Mike Onwenu ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4075203/highlights/211159376/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4075203/highlights/211159376/v2)-[/link] Being recruited as an athlete that can play OG or DT. I think that he will end up as a DT in college, but will evaluate him as an OL right now. Will remind a lot of people of former Cass Tech prospect Will Campbell. Extremely strong player that really moves people in the run game. Has dominated the summer camp circuit and displayed that he is an adequate pass blocker as well. Will need a lot of technique improvement to succeed in college. Maintaining good weight will be essential moving forward.
Strengths: size, strength
Weaknesses: technique
4. Johncarlo Valentin ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2184347/highlights/169229375/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2184347/highlights/169229375/v2)-[/link] The best puller of all the guard prospects. Identifies and destroys LBs in space to the point where he is basically pulling on every play of his highlight tape. Great feet in space and extremely powerful. Not a lot of film in pass blocking situations, but has ideal size and is an extremely talented run blocker.
Strengths: athleticism, technique, ability in space, run blocking
Weaknesses: pass pro, arm length, pad level at the point of attack
Top C Target:
1. Michael Eletise ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2630918/highlights/188169375/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2630918/highlights/188169375/v2)-[/link] Hawaiian prospect that Steve Lorenz reported the coaches are recruiting as a center. Athletic player that is very effective in pass pro and demonstrates a good kick slide for a high school prospect. Good hand placement. Will need to add weight to move to the interior but the coaches seem to really like his potential.
Strengths: pass pro, kick slide, hands, athleticism
Weaknesses: strength, size
3. Mike Onwenu ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4075203/highlights/211159376/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4075203/highlights/211159376/v2)-[/link] Being recruited as an athlete that can play OG or DT. I think that he will end up as a DT in college, but will evaluate him as an OL right now. Will remind a lot of people of former Cass Tech prospect Will Campbell. Extremely strong player that really moves people in the run game. Will need a lot of technique improvement to succeed in college. Maintaining good weight will be essential moving forward.
Strengths: size, strength
Weaknesses: technique, pass pro
With Onwenu on board I think it is important to mention that while the coaches recruited him as an ATH, they prefer him on offense at guard. However, there is also a scenario where Michigan gets 3-4 additional OL (say Bredeson, Davis, Akingbulu, and Eletise) that want to join the fold, and they feel all are better prospects than any potential 2nd DT that they could add, they would likely slide Onwenu to DT and take the OL that are listed on the board above as they are high on all of them.
Top C Target:
1. Michael Eletise ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2630918/highlights/188169375/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2630918/highlights/188169375/v2)-[/link] Hawaiian prospect that Steve Lorenz reported the coaches are recruiting as a center. Athletic player that is very effective in pass pro and demonstrates a good kick slide for a high school prospect. Good hand placement. Will need to add weight to move to the interior but the coaches seem to really like his potential.
Strengths: pass pro, kick slide, hands, athleticism
Weaknesses: strength, size
#8 Guard in 2016 class and just listed Michigan in his top 10, along with Arizona, Arizonan St., California, LSU, Nebraska, Oregon St., Ole Miss, UCLA and Washington.
Top C Target:
1. Michael Eletise ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2630918/highlights/188169375/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2630918/highlights/188169375/v2)-[/link] Hawaiian prospect that Steve Lorenz reported the coaches are recruiting as a center. Athletic player that is very effective in pass pro and demonstrates a good kick slide for a high school prospect. Good hand placement. Will need to add weight to move to the interior but the coaches seem to really like his potential.
Strengths: pass pro, kick slide, hands, athleticism
Weaknesses: strength, size
Final 5 of Arizona, ASU, Nebraska, Washington & OleMiss.
Lost out on Delance and Davis today, but we have a very good OL group committed in Bredeson, Onwenu, Hamilton and Swenson, all 4-star guys. Harbaugh might take more, but this is a good core of players for this class. I can see Bredeson and Swenson starting in 2017.
Well looks like we really better Impress Jake Raulerson now after missing out on 2 big OL targets. Would be good to bring in a transfer kid who has 2 years left to let the Class Bulk up a bit before having to see major playing time.
He visits on the 15th was Projected to be Texas starting Center this year before he transferred. Graduates in May so he would be a summer/fall enrollee so no spring practice but could definitely fill our need at Center. And he Graduated in 3 years while redshirting so would have 2 years left. It also sounds like its almost a done deal kinda thing wouldn't be shocked if he gets on Campus the 15th and immediately commits.
Comments
Go Blue!!
O$U.
Go Blue!!
Top OT Targets:
1. COMMIT Erik Swenson ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1601282/highlights/205066383/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1601282/highlights/205066383/v2)-[/link] Been committed since his sophomore season and most people project him as a RT prospect. Huge player that is great run blocker and really drives people off the ball. Has good enough feet to remain a tackle, but probably more suited on the right side. Locks onto defenders and finishes blocks with authority.
Strengths: size, drive blocking, acceleration off the snap
Weaknesses: pass blocking, kick slide
2. Ben Bredeson ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1688531/highlights/220473403/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1688531/highlights/220473403/v2)-[/link] One of my favorite players in this cycle. Great athlete who could play any position on the OL. Most analysts project him to guard, but I see LT all the way. The only thing preventing him from LT is probably one inch of height. Has great feet in both the run game and pass pro and has the athletic build to be a dominant LT. Gets to the second level in a hurry and stones pass rushers off the snap. Reportedly a Michigan, ND, Wisconsin battle.
Strengths: feet, athleticism, frame
Weaknesses: arm length, height for a tackle
3. Devery Hamilton ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1870317/highlights/185722377/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1870317/highlights/185722377/v2)-[/link] Very athletic kid with a great frame to add weight. A lot of his film is at DE, but the film the he does have on offense shows a strong run blocker that gets to the second level effectively. Limited film on him as a pass blocker but has the size and arm length to project to the outside.
Strengths: athleticism, run blocking
Weaknesses: pass pro, experience
4. Alex Akingbulu ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4505802/highlights/198813381/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4505802/highlights/198813381/v2)-[/link] LT prospect that has virtually unlimited upside. Best athlete of all Michigan OL targets and is extremely effective in space. Demonstrates the speed/agility that is perfect for neutralizing edge rushers. Needs to add weight. Reportedly a Michigan/UCLA battle.
Strengths: athleticism, frame, identifying and executing in space
Weaknesses: strength, drive blocking
Top OG Targets:
1. Terrance Davis ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1824681/highlights/219427389/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1824681/highlights/219427389/v2)-[/link] Top guard prospect on Michigan’s board. Blows people off the ball and is very strong at the point of attack. When he locks onto defensive lineman it usually does not end well for the defense. Shows a stout stance to handle DTs in the pass game. Relies on strength a bit too much and needs to improve technique at the next level. Maintaining good weight will be essential moving forward.
Strengths: power, drive blocking, tenacity
Weaknesses: pass pro, athleticism in space, leverage
2.. Will Fries ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2736626/highlights/172966378/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2736626/highlights/172966378/v2)-[/link] Projects to guard at the next level and his ability to pull and his strength in the run game are big reasons for that. Effectively uses leverage to get underneath DL. Displays good feet to play in space. Will need to add weight and improve his pass blocking at the next level.
Strengths: identifying in space, run blocking
Weaknesses: size, pass pro technique
3. COMMIT Mike Onwenu ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4075203/highlights/211159376/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4075203/highlights/211159376/v2)-[/link] Being recruited as an athlete that can play OG or DT. I think that he will end up as a DT in college, but will evaluate him as an OL right now. Will remind a lot of people of former Cass Tech prospect Will Campbell. Extremely strong player that really moves people in the run game. Has dominated the summer camp circuit and displayed that he is an adequate pass blocker as well. Will need a lot of technique improvement to succeed in college. Maintaining good weight will be essential moving forward.
Strengths: size, strength
Weaknesses: technique
4. Johncarlo Valentin ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2184347/highlights/169229375/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2184347/highlights/169229375/v2)-[/link] The best puller of all the guard prospects. Identifies and destroys LBs in space to the point where he is basically pulling on every play of his highlight tape. Great feet in space and extremely powerful. Not a lot of film in pass blocking situations, but has ideal size and is an extremely talented run blocker.
Strengths: athleticism, technique, ability in space, run blocking
Weaknesses: pass pro, arm length, pad level at the point of attack
Top C Target:
1. Michael Eletise ([link=http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2630918/highlights/188169375/v2)-]http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2630918/highlights/188169375/v2)-[/link] Hawaiian prospect that Steve Lorenz reported the coaches are recruiting as a center. Athletic player that is very effective in pass pro and demonstrates a good kick slide for a high school prospect. Good hand placement. Will need to add weight to move to the interior but the coaches seem to really like his potential.
Strengths: pass pro, kick slide, hands, athleticism
Weaknesses: strength, size
Go Blue!!
Perfect world: LT-akingbulu, RT- Swenson, and interior Onwenu, Davis, and Bredeson.
#8 Guard in 2016 class and just listed Michigan in his top 10, along with Arizona, Arizonan St., California, LSU, Nebraska, Oregon St., Ole Miss, UCLA and Washington.
Go Blue!!
Final 5 of Arizona, ASU, Nebraska, Washington & OleMiss.
Go Blue!!
6'4, 310 is small?
Go Blue!!
Delance's family hopes he stays close to home and chooses Texas, but insiders think Michigan leads.
Go Blue!!
Go Blue!!
Well looks like we really better Impress Jake Raulerson now after missing out on 2 big OL targets. Would be good to bring in a transfer kid who has 2 years left to let the Class Bulk up a bit before having to see major playing time.
Go Blue!!
yeah that's Jake Raulerson
http://247sports.com/Player/Jake-Raulerson-12770
He visits on the 15th was Projected to be Texas starting Center this year before he transferred. Graduates in May so he would be a summer/fall enrollee so no spring practice but could definitely fill our need at Center. And he Graduated in 3 years while redshirting so would have 2 years left. It also sounds like its almost a done deal kinda thing wouldn't be shocked if he gets on Campus the 15th and immediately commits.