Spring Questions: Michigan Offense

Hard to believe that it is nearly time for Spring Football to get rolling when it seems like just a few short weeks ago that the bowl season wrapped up.  2011 is a year of change for the Big Ten with it being the conference’s first season as a 12-team league separated into two divisions. The division winners  will be playing in the Big Ten’s first ever conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

2011 will see the debut of the Leaders and Legends divisions.  As a refresher, the divisions break down as follows:

Leaders Division:

Illinois

Indiana

Ohio State

Penn State

Purdue

Wisconsin

Legends Division:

Iowa

Michigan

Michigan State

Minnesota

Nebraska

Northwestern

Spring ball is the first opportunity for coaching staff’s to take a look at how their squad will look in 2011. Every team in the league has burning questions on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball that fans and coaches alike will be looking at spring ball as an opportunity to get some answers.  I will be looking at each team in the Legends Division and providing a brief overview for each squad as well as addressing analyzing their three most glaring questions on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.  I will kick things off tonight with the questions facing the Michigan offense.

Pre-Spring Questions: Michigan Wolverines

Team Overview: Michigan is one of two teams, along with Minnesota, in the Legends Division that will be welcoming a new coaching staff into town for the 2011 season. The Wolverines paired an explosive offense with a worst in school history defense in 2010 on their way to a 7-6 record.  Expectations are high for new coach Brady Hoke in Ann Arbor for his first season at the helm of the Michigan football program.  For the first time since Lloyd Carr’s swansong in Ann Arbor, it is finally fair to say that Michigan will be fielding a veteran team this fall.  Michigan will return 20 starters this fall incluing numerous multi-year starters on both sides of the ball.  With so many veterans returning, Brady Hoke will have the potential to make a big splash in his 2011 debut in the maize and blue. 

Offense:

1.     How will Denard Robinson adapt to the Al Borges offense?

Denard Robinson was the most explosive player in the conference last year on his way to putting together one of the best statistical seasons ever put up on the Division 1 level and winning the player of the year award for the Big Ten conference.  His ability to run the ball opened up the passing offense in 2010, but he will no longer be at the helm of the Rich Rodriguez spread option offense that was so quarterback run heavy.  Coach Borges has repeatedly stated that he will do what he has to do to get Denard the ball in space and he consistently has mentioned Michael Vick’s 2010 role with the Philadelphia Eagles as a reference to the role we could see Denard play in 2011.  No matter what, I think we can all agree that Borges’ system will not allow Denard to be subject to the same beatings he was subject to in 2010.

I am hoping that the spring game will allow us to get a glimpse of how they plan to utilize Robinson.  I don’t mind seeing Robinson under center so long as there are plenty of bootleg/rollout pass/run options in the playbook.  I am very curious to see how Robinson will adapt to playing under center and having his passing windows cut down on three-step drop pass plays.  Borges’ ability to fully utilize Robinson’s immense talents may ultimately be the biggest key to Michigan’s success or failure in Brady Hoke’s first season. 

2.     How will the offensive line adapt to the new blocking scheme?

The offensive line will have a big adjustment to make as they will be departing from the zone blocking scheme that was used under Rich Rodriguez to more of a drive-style blocking system.  The lineman will be responsible for driving men off the ball rather than just laterally moving defensive lineman out of running lanes.  I think we will see many more trap and counter rushing plays as part of the new-look offensive system.

I think Taylor Lewan will be a star in this new system where he will be able to focus in on the defensive end on basicallye very down.  Patrick Omaemah has the potential to be a devastating pulling guard on trap plays with his size and his ability to reach linebackers on the second level.  Michael Schofield will push Mark Huyge for time at right tackle and it will be interesting to see if Ricky Barnum can step into the void left by the now graduated Stephen Schilling.  Ironically, my biggest concerns might be with 3-year starting center David Molk.  Molk was a perfect fit for the zone-blocking scheme with his size and ability to perfectly execute reach blocks on 3-technique defensive tackels.  I worry about whether or not Molk will have the bulk and strength necessary to drive a defensive tackle off the ball and that is something I will be watching intently during the Spring Game.

3.     Who will step up and be the man at tailback?

Brady Hoke’s system might all but eliminate two-year starter Vincent Smith from being anything other than a third-down screen catching back due to his diminutive nature.  With the new offensive system I think that Mike Shaw might be a candidate to end his career on a very high note.  After watching San Diego State’s Ronnie Hillman put up huge numbers in the Aztecs offense I was pressed to wonder whether or not Shaw wouldn’t be able to do similar things considering the strong parallels between his size and speed and the physical attributes of Hillman.

Michigan will have plenty of other options outside of Shaw including a solid short-yardage back in Stephen Hopkins.  I think two other backs that have the right size and speed combo to fit in the system might be Fitz Touissant and Thomas Rawls.  Rawls will be a true freshman but he definitely brings a unique blend of talent that is very similar to what we saw at Michigan in advance of the Rich Rodriguez days.  Mike Cox could also work himself back into the mix under a new coaching staff.  I do not think Justice Hayes will push for time as a true freshman.  It will be interesting to see if anyone can grasp the system early and pull away from the pack a bit over the course of the Spring.

Tomorrow I will take a look at the three biggest questions that face the Michigan defense that was downright miserable in 2010.

Feel free to leave your comments on any other questions you think the Michigan offense is facing going into Spring practice.

Signing Day Preview 2011

Out of all the days in the college football offseason, none will impact a program more than National Signing Day.  National Signing Day is to college football what Spring Training is to baseball.  It represents hope for the future and everyone hopes that they’ve uncovered the next big thing.

With Thomas Rawls officially announcing his commitment to Michigan today, Michigan currently sits at 18 commitments for this year’s recruiting class.  The Wolverines are still in the mix for five different players heading into tomorrow.  I’ll break down when each of these five players will sign their letter of intent, how they’d fit in at Michigan if they decide to commit, and who I ultimately think they will end up signing with.

Jake Fisher – OT – Traverse City, MI

Announcement Time: 8 A.M. Wednesday

How would he fit in at Michigan? 

Michigan will only return Taylor Lewan, Mark Huyge, and Michael Schofield at offensive tackle in 2011.  Currently, most of Michigan’s offensive line recruits are viewed as interior lineman and there are no true tackles committed to the Wolverines.  With such few options at tackle on the roster, Michigan could desperately use Fisher to help fill out this class.  Fisher is very similar to Lewan in the fact that he is a tall and lean lineman with a nasty streak.  Fisher is a tremendous athlete for being 6’7” and 265 pounds.  Michigan sorely needs depth in the event that Michael Schofield doesn’t turn into a great player because Huyge will be gone following the 2011 season.

Where will he go?

After Rodriguez’s departure, Fisher re-opened his commitment status and ever since then I’ve felt that this one will not go Michigan’s way.  Hoke simply did not have enough time to build a relationship with Fisher.  Fisher spent last weekend in Eugene, Oregon touring the wonderful facilities that the Ducks have to offer.  I think he heads west to attend Oregon.

Leilon Willingham – LB – Denver, CO

Announcement Time: 9 A.M. Wednesday

How would he fit in at Michigan?

Willingham is a kid who could step in and contribute on special teams and crack the two deep as a true freshman.  He has great size at 6-2, 235 pounds and the Wolverines would start him off playing in the Middle Linebacker spot.  Michigan has recruited a bunch of linebackers in this class but not many of them have the size to play the middle spot in Greg Mattison’s defense.  Willingham would be a tremendous get this late in the game and would open up a pipeline into Denver Mullen High School, which traditionally produces a bevy of Division 1 talent.  Willingham would be able to slot in behind Kenny Demens and potentially work himself into the playing rotation by year’s end.

Where will he go?

Willingham was committed to Texas A&M just a few short weeks ago.  He has also drawn heavy interest from Colorado down the stretch following his decommitment.  Willingham spent plenty of time getting to know Greg Mattison during his official visit and I would be shocked if Mattison didn’t sell him on his potential to be a big-time playmaker in this defensive scheme.  Willingham heads to Michigan.

Frank Clark – OLB/TE – Cleveland Glenville, Ohio

Announcement Time: 10 A.M. Wednesday

How would he fit in at Michigan?

Clark is a solid athlete with nice size at 6’2” and 210 pounds.  He was a receiver and outside linebacker at Cleveland Glenville.  Michigan could use him at either the tight end position or OLB.  Initially, it sounds like Clark will get his shot on the defensive side of the ball.  He would bring solid speed to the linebacking corps but would almost assuredly need a redshirt year in order to add size to a frame that is on the light side right now for Big Ten football.  Perhaps one of the most important things the Clark would bring to the table is just being from Cleveland Glenville High School.  Glenville is coached by Ted Ginn Sr. and has become a Buckeye stronghold since Tressel took over in Columbus.  Glenville produces too much Division 1 talent for Michigan not to have a foot in the door there.   I think that if Clark can come have a positive freshman year in Ann Arbor, then Hoke and his staff might be able to start making in-roads in Cleveland again.

Where will he go?

Clark is down to Michigan, Michigan State, and North Carolina.  Clark is an academically focused kid and he wants to play in the Big Ten and it’s been rumored since his official visit that he has been a silent commit to Michigan.  I’d be stunned if he ends up signing with a school other than Michigan.

Darian Cooper – DT – DeMatha HS, Maryland

Announcement Time: 12 P.M. Wednesday

How would he fit in at Michigan?

Cooper is a true defensive tackle prospect at 6’2” and 275 pounds.  Michigan is woefully thin at defensive tackle with Mike Martin being the only returnee with any significant playing experience.  Richard Ash and Terry Talbott were both redshirt players this past year and it remains to be seen whether Will Campbell or Quinton Washington will be playing on the defensive side of the ball.  Cooper would bring a similar skill set to Martin in the form of a disruptive interior pass rusher for the 4-3 under scheme that Mattison will employ.  Cooper would almost certainly not redshirt if he were to come to Michigan due to the lack of talent at the defensive line position.  He would fill a huge need in this class.

Where will he go?

Unfortunately, with the coaching change situation in Ann Arbor, I don’t think Michigan gets Darian’s signature despite having him in for an official visit this past weekend.  Cooper’s other finalists are Iowa, Michigan State, and Georgia Tech.  He has shown that he is fond of the Spartans, but conventional wisdom for the past month has held that the Hawkeyes were his leader and I think that at the end of the day he goes with the school that he has felt most comfortable with throughout the process.  Cooper heads to Iowa.

Chris Barnett – TE – Hurst, Texas

Announcement Time: Friday February 4^th.

How would he fit in at Michigan?

With Kevin Koger entering his senior year, and Brandon Moore (Redshirt Jr. for 2011) the only other tight end on the roster, Michigan is in desperate need of adding another body to the tight end corps.  Hoke and Borges used many different multiple tight end formations at San Diego State and a pass-catching weapon at that spot will help make the offense go.  Barnett is already a monstrous sized prospect at 6’5” and 245 pounds.  He has tremendous athletic ability and garnered offers from all over the country including schools like USC, Oregon, and Florida State.  His speed for his size is tremendous and would provide a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses in the red zone.  Barnett tore his ACL early in his senior season and will more than likely need a redshirt year in 2011 before being fully ready to contribute and potentially start at tight end in 2012.   

Where will he go?

Barnett has been an Arkansas commit since way back in October.  The past two weekends he has taken trips to both Miami and Michigan and I have a feeling that the decision is ultimately going to come down to the Razorbacks and the Wolverines.  The fact that he is delaying his decision past signing day, combined with Michigan being his most recent visit, makes me think that the Wolverines will be able to flip his commit.  I think Barnett signs with Michigan.

Where would this leave Michigan?

If Michigan gets the three players I listed above, they would sign a class of 21 prospects that would be ranked somewhere between 17^th and 25^th in the country.  This would be a nice way to cap what has been a tremendously challenging recruiting season for the Wolverines.  If this is how it shakes out, Michigan will desperately need to get some big numbers on both the offensive and defensive lines in the 2012 class.  After the signing day chaos ends I’ll break down the full recruiting class in detail.