Part II of our INSIDE THE FORT, including more football and plenty of basketball and recruiting ...
Michigan football is set to open its season in eight days, and it’s a big campaign for third-year offensive coordinator Josh Gattis. The Wolverines’ offense was good down the stretch in 2019, but took a big step back in 2020. Over the last few weeks, we’ve discussed a rising wide receiver room, strong running back corps, solid quarterback play and an offensive line with potential … But can Gattis and Co. (he has more help now) put it all together?
We spoke to a few national analysts recently to get their thoughts.
“They have been average offensively under Gattis,” said Dave Revsine of the Big Ten Network. “Can they get to above average? Quarterback will be the focal point, for obvious reasons, and it does feel like each of the three candidates to start brings something to the table.
“Offensive line has to stay healthy, as I mentioned, but there is clearly talent. I like Ronnie Bell and Hassan Haskins — and there are others on the roster with massive promise (see Edwards, Donovan). There are a lot of highly recruited players on this unit, some of whom have shown great promise. But, I don't look at this group and see a sure-fire dynamic attack.”
Sporting News’ Bill Bender is a bit more optimistic that the pieces are there, and they’ll be used correctly.
“The continuity should improve, and a veteran offensive line will help whoever wins the quarterback battle,” Bender said. “Cornelius Johnson needs to emerge as a no-doubt top wide receiver in the offense, and Erick All needs to be a more consistent pass-catcher.
“The addition of Hart to the staff is what I'm watching most. How does that impact the running back rotation with Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum? Michigan has had one 1,000-yard rusher since Harbaugh arrived. Hart had three 1,000-yard seasons from 2004-07 and gave the Wolverines' running game an attitude it hasn't had since he left.”
Like the rest CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli has seen flashes of good play from the Wolverines’ offense, but on a more consistent basis.
“I'm just hoping to see more consistency,” he said. “The first season is an adjustment. You're installing a new offense, and with limited practice time, you're learning a lot in-game. Then the plan is that another offseason to install it helps in year two, but COVID tore that plan apart.
“So now Gattis enters year three with an entire offseason to work the offense in, and he'll be doing so with more players recruited to Ann Arbor to play in it. I'm not expecting 35 points per game or anything, but I'd think we see more consistent results from week to week.”
As far as the defense, Michigan obviously couldn’t have been much worse last season, which is why Don Brown was let go after five seasons. Enter Mike Macdonald, who the players and fellow coaches have raved about since he arrived in January. The scheme will be more unpredictable, they’ve said, something that those we spoken to think will be a big boost.
“Macdonald will mix up the looks and coverages, and there will be growing pains within the scheme,” Bender said. “The biggest priority is finding a pass rush within the scheme. Michigan had just nine sacks in six games in 2020.”
But is the interior of the defensive line stout enough? There are still major questions, even as camp winds down.
“Macdonald’s background with the Ravens suggests some 3-4 but being multiple and flexible in looks is crucial for defenses in this era of high-powered offenses in college football,” Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassan said. “Getting Aidan Hutchinson back in the lineup should be a huge boost overall. His return bolsters the front against the run and boosts a pass rush that was lackluster (nine sacks) last year.
“I still have big questions about the secondary after watching this unit give up at least 300 passing yards in three of its six contests. I think the scheme change and the element of surprise helps Michigan take a step forward on the stat sheet. But without marked improvement in the secondary and better play on the interior against the run, the Wolverines will have trouble ranking as an elite Big Ten defense. Expect improvement but not quite at the top of the conference.”
Fornelli expects the Wolverines to take a major step forward.
“I think this team should be in the top 25 of total defense at a minimum,” he said.
****
And on that note, the defense continues to play very well in fall camp. The big concern, however, is that it’s coming at the expense of the offense, and an offensive line that’s been jostled around a bit due to guys being banged up, etc.
We’ll know more this week, but we’d expect the line we predicted at the beginning of camp to start — left to right, Ryan Hayes, Trevor Keegan, Andrew Vastardis, Zak Zinter and Andrew Stueber — out there for the opener against Western Michigan. It’s possible one will sit out the first game (banged up), but those are the guys who have earned the right to play the opener.
As one practice observer noted, ‘the offensive line still has work to do.’ The defense has been very aggressive and dialed in, and the mistakes have been held to a minimum. There are occasional big plays over the top, but most come at the expense of the threes, not the ones and the twos … this defense is geared to prevent the big play, yet it’s still aggressive enough to be disruptive with several different blitz packages.
The key will still be how the interior line stacks up against the better offensive lines in the country. Ohio State and Wisconsin might have been able to beat U-M without passing last year, and there hasn’t been enough improvement up front to believe this won’t be a mismatch against this year in those two games.
Donovan Jeter is in the ‘improved’ category, but he still has to prove he can do it against Big Ten competition. Mazi Smith has been inconsistent, and Chris Hinton still isn’t living up to his five-star billing, let alone proving he can be an All-Big Ten defensive lineman (strong opinion based on several observations).
It’s very thin behind that. Oregon State transfer Jordan Whittley won’t be a factor here, and there’s just not much beef. On a positive note, the ends/OLBs — three of them in Taylor Upshaw, Mike Morris and David Ojabo — are among the most improved players on the team, and Aidan Hutchinson is loving his new position and excelling at it.
Two of the interior linebackers, Nikhail Hill-Green and Josh Ross (“simply outstanding”) are also included in that ‘most improved’ category on defense. Kalel Mullings and Joey Velazquez have had moments and are improved, while Michael Barrett has taken a step back and freshman Junior Colson has been set back by injury. He has yet to return to form.
In the defensive backfield, Brad Hawkins, Dax Hill, R.J. Moten, Gemon Green, D.J. Turner and George Johnson would be in the ‘much improved’ category, which is exciting given how well the first two (in particular) have played in the past. Vince Gray will play, Makari Paige has been solid, Eamonn Dennis is coming on and Andre Seldon and Donovan Green-Warren still have work to do, while frosh Ja’den McBurrows has been one of the camp surprises.
Kicker Jake Moody has been very good and consistent beyond his 7-for-8 at the scrimmage the other night (including a 60-yarder). He’s got to translate it to games, something that’s been an issue.
The ‘most improved’ on offense — guard Zak Zinter, despite having missed some time, receivers Mike Sainristil and Cornelius Johnson, tight ends Luke Schoonmaker and Matt Hibner and running backs Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum. Both of the top quarterbacks, Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy, have made strides.
The emphasis on the running game has been pronounced and is not just ‘talk.’ They want to be able to grind it out on the ground, but the line needs to improve here, too. There have been times the left side has been exposed by pass rush moves, too, and that needs to be shored up.
Grades for the offense this spring, from observers: QBs – B, RB — B+, OL — C, WR, B+
Grades for the defense: DL — C+ (bolstered in large part buy the ends), LBs — B+, DBs — B –
****
Some basketball and recruiting now …
We were hoping to report that big man Yohan Traore was a realistic possibility, the standout having moved into the top 10 nationally and earning five-star status, despite some telling us he was “likely to end up somewhere like LSU.” A few close to it indicated there could be some Moussa Diabate connections that could play into U-M’s favor.
Unfortunately, the former seems more likely at this point. Traore has been slow to set an official visit, and this one appears to be an uphill battle. He has cut his list to 10, however, and Michigan made the cut with programs like Memphis, Louisville, the aforementioned LSU, the NBL overseas (pro ball) and others.
Ernest Udeh and Colin Smith, No. 29 overall (center) and No. 73 (forward) respectively are visiting and perhaps the most realistic possibilities, but there’s no guarantee (far from it) they’ll sign more than three in the early signing period … big man Tarris Reed, point guard Dug McDaniel and small forward/shooting guard Jett Howard.
We consider Howard as good as in the class, though he’ll take visits.
On the team, your starting five heading into practice — DeVante’ Jones at PG, SG Eli Brooks, Wing Caleb Houstan, power forward Brandon Johns and center Hunter Dickinson. This is a big year for Zeb Jackson to prove himself — frosh Kobe Bufkin has been really good and will play, while freshman Frankie Collins will provide some minutes at the point.
Frosh forward Moussa Diabate is limited offensively but will have a role, second-year frosh Terrance Williams will play and frosh Will Tschetter will likely have the same role Williams did as a freshman, seeing some action when needed.
Watch for more hoops details in an article to come.
Michigan football is set to open its season in eight days, and it’s a big campaign for third-year offensive coordinator Josh Gattis. The Wolverines’ offense was good down the stretch in 2019, but took a big step back in 2020. Over the last few weeks, we’ve discussed a rising wide receiver room, strong running back corps, solid quarterback play and an offensive line with potential … But can Gattis and Co. (he has more help now) put it all together?
We spoke to a few national analysts recently to get their thoughts.
“They have been average offensively under Gattis,” said Dave Revsine of the Big Ten Network. “Can they get to above average? Quarterback will be the focal point, for obvious reasons, and it does feel like each of the three candidates to start brings something to the table.
“Offensive line has to stay healthy, as I mentioned, but there is clearly talent. I like Ronnie Bell and Hassan Haskins — and there are others on the roster with massive promise (see Edwards, Donovan). There are a lot of highly recruited players on this unit, some of whom have shown great promise. But, I don't look at this group and see a sure-fire dynamic attack.”
Sporting News’ Bill Bender is a bit more optimistic that the pieces are there, and they’ll be used correctly.
“The continuity should improve, and a veteran offensive line will help whoever wins the quarterback battle,” Bender said. “Cornelius Johnson needs to emerge as a no-doubt top wide receiver in the offense, and Erick All needs to be a more consistent pass-catcher.
“The addition of Hart to the staff is what I'm watching most. How does that impact the running back rotation with Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum? Michigan has had one 1,000-yard rusher since Harbaugh arrived. Hart had three 1,000-yard seasons from 2004-07 and gave the Wolverines' running game an attitude it hasn't had since he left.”
Like the rest CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli has seen flashes of good play from the Wolverines’ offense, but on a more consistent basis.
“I'm just hoping to see more consistency,” he said. “The first season is an adjustment. You're installing a new offense, and with limited practice time, you're learning a lot in-game. Then the plan is that another offseason to install it helps in year two, but COVID tore that plan apart.
“So now Gattis enters year three with an entire offseason to work the offense in, and he'll be doing so with more players recruited to Ann Arbor to play in it. I'm not expecting 35 points per game or anything, but I'd think we see more consistent results from week to week.”
As far as the defense, Michigan obviously couldn’t have been much worse last season, which is why Don Brown was let go after five seasons. Enter Mike Macdonald, who the players and fellow coaches have raved about since he arrived in January. The scheme will be more unpredictable, they’ve said, something that those we spoken to think will be a big boost.
“Macdonald will mix up the looks and coverages, and there will be growing pains within the scheme,” Bender said. “The biggest priority is finding a pass rush within the scheme. Michigan had just nine sacks in six games in 2020.”
But is the interior of the defensive line stout enough? There are still major questions, even as camp winds down.
“Macdonald’s background with the Ravens suggests some 3-4 but being multiple and flexible in looks is crucial for defenses in this era of high-powered offenses in college football,” Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassan said. “Getting Aidan Hutchinson back in the lineup should be a huge boost overall. His return bolsters the front against the run and boosts a pass rush that was lackluster (nine sacks) last year.
“I still have big questions about the secondary after watching this unit give up at least 300 passing yards in three of its six contests. I think the scheme change and the element of surprise helps Michigan take a step forward on the stat sheet. But without marked improvement in the secondary and better play on the interior against the run, the Wolverines will have trouble ranking as an elite Big Ten defense. Expect improvement but not quite at the top of the conference.”
Fornelli expects the Wolverines to take a major step forward.
“I think this team should be in the top 25 of total defense at a minimum,” he said.
****
And on that note, the defense continues to play very well in fall camp. The big concern, however, is that it’s coming at the expense of the offense, and an offensive line that’s been jostled around a bit due to guys being banged up, etc.
We’ll know more this week, but we’d expect the line we predicted at the beginning of camp to start — left to right, Ryan Hayes, Trevor Keegan, Andrew Vastardis, Zak Zinter and Andrew Stueber — out there for the opener against Western Michigan. It’s possible one will sit out the first game (banged up), but those are the guys who have earned the right to play the opener.
As one practice observer noted, ‘the offensive line still has work to do.’ The defense has been very aggressive and dialed in, and the mistakes have been held to a minimum. There are occasional big plays over the top, but most come at the expense of the threes, not the ones and the twos … this defense is geared to prevent the big play, yet it’s still aggressive enough to be disruptive with several different blitz packages.
The key will still be how the interior line stacks up against the better offensive lines in the country. Ohio State and Wisconsin might have been able to beat U-M without passing last year, and there hasn’t been enough improvement up front to believe this won’t be a mismatch against this year in those two games.
Donovan Jeter is in the ‘improved’ category, but he still has to prove he can do it against Big Ten competition. Mazi Smith has been inconsistent, and Chris Hinton still isn’t living up to his five-star billing, let alone proving he can be an All-Big Ten defensive lineman (strong opinion based on several observations).
It’s very thin behind that. Oregon State transfer Jordan Whittley won’t be a factor here, and there’s just not much beef. On a positive note, the ends/OLBs — three of them in Taylor Upshaw, Mike Morris and David Ojabo — are among the most improved players on the team, and Aidan Hutchinson is loving his new position and excelling at it.
Two of the interior linebackers, Nikhail Hill-Green and Josh Ross (“simply outstanding”) are also included in that ‘most improved’ category on defense. Kalel Mullings and Joey Velazquez have had moments and are improved, while Michael Barrett has taken a step back and freshman Junior Colson has been set back by injury. He has yet to return to form.
In the defensive backfield, Brad Hawkins, Dax Hill, R.J. Moten, Gemon Green, D.J. Turner and George Johnson would be in the ‘much improved’ category, which is exciting given how well the first two (in particular) have played in the past. Vince Gray will play, Makari Paige has been solid, Eamonn Dennis is coming on and Andre Seldon and Donovan Green-Warren still have work to do, while frosh Ja’den McBurrows has been one of the camp surprises.
Kicker Jake Moody has been very good and consistent beyond his 7-for-8 at the scrimmage the other night (including a 60-yarder). He’s got to translate it to games, something that’s been an issue.
The ‘most improved’ on offense — guard Zak Zinter, despite having missed some time, receivers Mike Sainristil and Cornelius Johnson, tight ends Luke Schoonmaker and Matt Hibner and running backs Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum. Both of the top quarterbacks, Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy, have made strides.
The emphasis on the running game has been pronounced and is not just ‘talk.’ They want to be able to grind it out on the ground, but the line needs to improve here, too. There have been times the left side has been exposed by pass rush moves, too, and that needs to be shored up.
Grades for the offense this spring, from observers: QBs – B, RB — B+, OL — C, WR, B+
Grades for the defense: DL — C+ (bolstered in large part buy the ends), LBs — B+, DBs — B –
****
Some basketball and recruiting now …
We were hoping to report that big man Yohan Traore was a realistic possibility, the standout having moved into the top 10 nationally and earning five-star status, despite some telling us he was “likely to end up somewhere like LSU.” A few close to it indicated there could be some Moussa Diabate connections that could play into U-M’s favor.
Unfortunately, the former seems more likely at this point. Traore has been slow to set an official visit, and this one appears to be an uphill battle. He has cut his list to 10, however, and Michigan made the cut with programs like Memphis, Louisville, the aforementioned LSU, the NBL overseas (pro ball) and others.
Ernest Udeh and Colin Smith, No. 29 overall (center) and No. 73 (forward) respectively are visiting and perhaps the most realistic possibilities, but there’s no guarantee (far from it) they’ll sign more than three in the early signing period … big man Tarris Reed, point guard Dug McDaniel and small forward/shooting guard Jett Howard.
We consider Howard as good as in the class, though he’ll take visits.
On the team, your starting five heading into practice — DeVante’ Jones at PG, SG Eli Brooks, Wing Caleb Houstan, power forward Brandon Johns and center Hunter Dickinson. This is a big year for Zeb Jackson to prove himself — frosh Kobe Bufkin has been really good and will play, while freshman Frankie Collins will provide some minutes at the point.
Frosh forward Moussa Diabate is limited offensively but will have a role, second-year frosh Terrance Williams will play and frosh Will Tschetter will likely have the same role Williams did as a freshman, seeing some action when needed.
Watch for more hoops details in an article to come.
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