2009 TSUN News (football only discussion)

[WaitingforKickoff]

Cornelius Jones to Michigan

Don't know what to think of this!

West Virginia didn't even offer? Sad.

 

[jwinslow]

Cornelius Jones to Michigan

Don't know what to think of this!

I get the need for another QB, even if he ends up being more of an ATH at UM.

But it seems pretty clear that those predicting defensive balance in this class were a bit reckless with the kool-aid, unless UM cuts ties with certain verbals.

Austin White, Nick Hill & other local offensive players could still drop (some need offers), not to mention the OL they still want like Henderson, Schofner/Donnal, etc.

No caption required.

adidas eyebrows even.

 

[jwinslow]

Mylan Hicks Commits To Michigan State

:( Good pickup for Sparty, I was really high on this kid.

As posted in Mylan's thread, Dantonio picked up a good one. UM has done well to regain momentum in-state this offseason, but Dantonio still has a good chance at Bolden (big lean), Gholston (big lean), White, Olaniyan.

UM is in on other corners, but this was a talented kid in their backyard. It's one thing to lose these battles to ND or OSU who will bring in studs regardless, but MSU is bringing in more quality players than before Dantonio. Adams, Norman, Allen, Hicks and probably Gholston will upgrade the talent level for that defense.

This is more about momentum and playing against UM than anything. Between Cullen Christian and others, they'll get good DBs. That's a position UM has always recruited well, and RR has kept that going.

 

[heisman]

...adidas eyebrows even.

I was thinking that he shaved 1 stripe for each tsun win last season.

 

[blueinfla]

As posted in Mylan's thread, Dantonio picked up a good one. UM has done well to regain momentum in-state this offseason, but Dantonio still has a good chance at Bolden (big lean), Gholston (big lean), White, Olaniyan.

UM is in on other corners, but this was a talented kid in their backyard. It's one thing to lose these battles to ND or OSU who will bring in studs regardless, but MSU is bringing in more quality players than before Dantonio. Adams, Norman, Allen, Hicks and probably Gholston will upgrade the talent level for that defense.

This is more about momentum and playing against UM than anything. Between Cullen Christian and others, they'll get good DBs. That's a position UM has always recruited well, and RR has kept that going.

I think it's great for the Big Ten to have MSU being a relevant team. Let's just hope they can keep Dantonio there for a few years.

As far as DBs and Hicks, UM has others that I'm much more interested in. You hit on a couple. Cullen, Dior, and Rashad Knight I'd much rather have.

 

[jwinslow]

I'm not sure Dior is better, he's just received more hype. Not sure UM needs a DB that makes Boo Boo looks tall, either. Cullen & Knight are good, though the latter will be one that will be a tough pull.

 

[blueinfla]

But it seems pretty clear that those predicting defensive balance in this class were a bit reckless with the kool-aid, unless UM cuts ties with certain verbals.

Austin White, Nick Hill & other local offensive players could still drop (some need offers), not to mention the OL they still want like Henderson, Schofner/Donnal, etc.adidas eyebrows even.

Well, 4 defensive guys so far. 10 offensive, with 5 of those being WRs. 2 of those WRs could end up on the defensive side of the ball. It's still not clear where UM will end up using them. Add in probably 2 more RBs and 2 more OLinemen. That's 12 to 14 offense, with a potential for a class of 25. I could see UM adding another WR with a guy like Prater, but then does one of the already committed leave, or become guaranteed for defense?

 

[jwinslow]

The b10 needs Zook & Dantonio to maintain respectable programs to rebuild the conference's reputation, especially since Bielema doesn't seem to be up to the task. But the b10 cannot be great again without UM. Right after Pryor sounds like a good time for that :p

 

[blueinfla]

I'm not sure Dior is better, he's just received more hype. Not sure UM needs a DB that makes Boo Boo looks tall, either. Cullen & Knight are good, though the latter will be one that will be a tough pull.

Dior does have some nice offers. It's at least a good sign the kid is pretty decent when 2 of the 3 big Florida schools offer, as well as a few other SEC schools. You are right about his height though; definitely not thrilled. But, if he can cover/tackle, I'll take him.

Cullen is almost a lock at this point, although I don't like to use "lock" as not much is certain with 17/18/19 year olds.

I'd be thrilled with Knight, but you're right, he would be a major pull for UM, and he'll be tough to get.

 

[blueinfla]

Right after Pryor sounds like a good time for that :p

Haha, but of course. :)

Spot on about the rest though.

 

[jwinslow]

Well, 4 defensive guys so far. 10 offensive, with 5 of those being WRs. 2 of those WRs could end up on the defensive side of the ball. It's still not clear where UM will end up using them. Add in probably 2 more RBs and 2 more OLinemen. That's 12 to 14 offense, with a potential for a class of 25. I could see UM adding another WR with a guy like Prater, but then does one of the already committed leave, or become guaranteed for defense?

Offense

1. QB Gardner
2. QB/ATH Jones
3. RB Hopkins
4. _____________ RB White
5. _____________ RB Hill?
6. WR Williamson
7. WR/TE Miller
8. WR/TE Jackson
9. Slot Drake
10. Slot Dileo
11. _____________ a camp offer?
12. OG Pace
13. _____________ OT Henderson
14. _____________ OL Wilson/etc

Defense

1. DE/LB Wilkins
2. DE/LB Kinnard
3. DE/LB Paskorz
4. S/LB M.Robinson
5. ______________ LB
6. ______________ CB Christian
7. ______________ DB
8. ______________ DB

Athlete

1. ______________ Slot/CB Mathis
2. ______________ WR/S J.Robinson

#8 & #11 are guesses based on offers and camp buzz.

That's 24, and I think Mathis is as likely for offense as D, particularly at his size. I really don't think Dileo has the size to make an impact on D, particularly compared to the talent they bring in there.

Will UM turn down a promising slot if they uncover them this fall or winter? Bump one of the lesser guys like Drake? Or potentially take that spot away from D?


The biggest problem I see in this class is linebacker. All three hybrids are more suited for DL or "Quick" (position) than LB. Robinson could be a hybrid, but he likely mans Brown's upcoming position.

LB was painfully thin this past spring, and they don't seem to have many promising prospects to fill those voids. It's still early, but that's the position they need to be hoarding, not slots.



RR does have a track record for attrition. UM fans will be welcoming it, because without a heavy dose of it, there won't be many scholarships for upcoming classes (like 2011). But then again, if that offense isn't enough to win ballgames by then, that class probably won't matter.

 

[DontHateOState]

The biggest problem I see in this class is linebacker. All three hybrids are more suited for DL or "Quick" (position) than LB. Robinson could be a hybrid, but he likely mans Brown's upcoming position.

LB was painfully thin this past spring, and they don't seem to have many promising prospects to fill those voids. It's still early, but that's the position they need to be hoarding, not slots.

To be more specific, if I may, I would say that inside linebacker is a huge priority. They've struck out on their biggest targets, and may be losing Javarie Johnson to the U.

Hey, blueinfla, did Hankins attend the UM camp?

 

[blueinfla]

Offense

1. QB Gardner
2. QB/ATH Jones
3. RB Hopkins
4. _____________ RB White
5. _____________ RB Hill?
6. WR Williamson
7. WR/TE Miller
8. WR/TE Jackson
9. Slot Drake
10. Slot Dileo
11. _____________ a camp offer?
12. OG Pace
13. _____________ OT Henderson
14. _____________ OL Wilson/etc

Defense

1. DE/LB Wilkins
2. DE/LB Kinnard
3. DE/LB Paskorz
4. S/LB M.Robinson
5. ______________ LB
6. ______________ CB Christian
7. ______________ DB
8. ______________ DB

Athlete

1. ______________ Slot/CB Mathis
2. ______________ WR/S J.Robinson

#8 & #11 are guesses based on offers and camp buzz.

That's 24, and I think Mathis is as likely for offense as D, particularly at his size. I really don't think Dileo has the size to make an impact on D, particularly compared to the talent they bring in there.

Will UM turn down a promising slot if they uncover them this fall or winter? Bump one of the lesser guys like Drake? Or potentially take that spot away from D?


The biggest problem I see in this class is linebacker. All three hybrids are more suited for DL or "Quick" (position) than LB. Robinson could be a hybrid, but he likely mans Brown's upcoming position.

LB was painfully thin this past spring, and they don't seem to have many promising prospects to fill those voids. It's still early, but that's the position they need to be hoarding, not slots.



RR does have a track record for attrition. UM fans will be welcoming it, because without a heavy dose of it, there won't be many scholarships for upcoming classes (like 2011). But then again, if that offense isn't enough to win ballgames by then, that class probably won't matter.

Well, you are missing a commit from today. DE/LB Holmes Onwukaife. Some think he will be a ILB.
I don't know if he's been confirmed on any of the services yet though. I don't see him there. He was all over mgoblog today.

 

[jwinslow]

Well, you are missing a commit from today. DE/LB Holmes Onwukaife. Some think he will be a ILB.

It doesn't appear as though UM has accepted his verbal yet... no front page commitment stories, no commit list additions, and plenty of time has passed to verify its legitimacy.

Looks like a one-sided decision thus far.

 

[blueinfla]

Hey, blueinfla, did Hankins attend the UM camp?

I'll have to check around. I know he was supposed to, or is going to sometime this summer. I remember reading about him recently. He really likes UM, but RR is waiting for some reason.

EDIT---- Per scout, he's camping on the 20th at UM.