Part one of our INSIDE THE FORT, a day early since we've gotten some intel and today is an off day ...
Yesterday was the first day in pads, and there was a lot to like, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Keeping in mind they've only been going at it for six days, these guys are playing well together, especially in the back end. As fifth-year senior safety Brad Hawkins reported yesterday, young safeties RJ Moten, one of the faster risers on the team this spring and a great worker/attitude guy, and Makari Paige have really elevated their games. That's really helped them be able to move Dax Hill around, to the point that he could play a lot of corner (not just nickel) if necessary.
In fact, from one close to it previously concerned about the defense —"they've been playing really well" ... again, keeping in mind that we're only six days and one padded practice in. Gemon Green and D.J. Turner are still the two corners we expect to start the opener, depending on what set the Wolverines employ for the first snaps against Western Michigan, and Turner continues to impress.
But the one player on defense who might have made the biggest move — and it really shouldn't be that big a surprise, given what we've reported on him in the last several months — freshman Nikhai Hill-Green. Former Michigan linebacker/assistant coach James Ross told us this spring he loved the second-year player's potential and attitude, and he's been working a lot with the ones at the WILL (weak side) position next to Ross' brother, Josh, a redshirt junior.
"He was locked in from the moment he got on campus," James Ross said. "He would have seen more time last year, in my opinion, if not for COVID ...
"He just came in with the attitude that he wanted to get better, and I think that's half the battle right there."
He's a stud, and part of a group that — once thought to be a potential question mark along with the front seven – could become a strength. Veteran Michael Barrett is solid and will play a lot whether or not he starts (he's also battling at WILL), and Josh Ross has gotten his mojo back after getting in elite shape. Freshman Junior Colson is a "future All-Big Ten player ... at least," and he and Hill-Green are the future.
This is an extremely positive development.
The best position group in the early going on offense (again, keeping in mind they're just getting started) — the receivers. Transfer Daylen Baldwin is going to help as a big receiver, but Cornelius Johnson has made huge strides. Ronnie Bell is leading the way, as expected, but Mike Sainristil has really upped his game, being pushed by the young guys (Roman Wilson and AJ Henning).
They've all really stepped up.
One quarterback in particular — freshman J.J. McCarthy — has done a great job getting them the ball. Redshirt frosh Cade McNamara has been solid and will very likely be the first game starter, but to say the light has gone on for the freshman is an understatement. This comes from several different sources ... and again, while it's early, it's extremely positive how far he's come in such a short period of time.
In short — McNamara had better make the most of his opportunity, because he's got a Mig on his tail (cheesy Top Gun reference).
Finally, the offensive line still has some work to do. They're experimenting with several combinations (and, as a source noted AGAIN, it's early), so that's probably to be expected, but at some point in the next few weeks they're going to need to find a combination and stick with it so they get comfortable together.
There's talent there, though — it's all about finding what works.
Stay tuned for Part II of ITF tomorrow — more football, hoops, etc.
Yesterday was the first day in pads, and there was a lot to like, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Keeping in mind they've only been going at it for six days, these guys are playing well together, especially in the back end. As fifth-year senior safety Brad Hawkins reported yesterday, young safeties RJ Moten, one of the faster risers on the team this spring and a great worker/attitude guy, and Makari Paige have really elevated their games. That's really helped them be able to move Dax Hill around, to the point that he could play a lot of corner (not just nickel) if necessary.
In fact, from one close to it previously concerned about the defense —"they've been playing really well" ... again, keeping in mind that we're only six days and one padded practice in. Gemon Green and D.J. Turner are still the two corners we expect to start the opener, depending on what set the Wolverines employ for the first snaps against Western Michigan, and Turner continues to impress.
But the one player on defense who might have made the biggest move — and it really shouldn't be that big a surprise, given what we've reported on him in the last several months — freshman Nikhai Hill-Green. Former Michigan linebacker/assistant coach James Ross told us this spring he loved the second-year player's potential and attitude, and he's been working a lot with the ones at the WILL (weak side) position next to Ross' brother, Josh, a redshirt junior.
"He was locked in from the moment he got on campus," James Ross said. "He would have seen more time last year, in my opinion, if not for COVID ...
"He just came in with the attitude that he wanted to get better, and I think that's half the battle right there."
He's a stud, and part of a group that — once thought to be a potential question mark along with the front seven – could become a strength. Veteran Michael Barrett is solid and will play a lot whether or not he starts (he's also battling at WILL), and Josh Ross has gotten his mojo back after getting in elite shape. Freshman Junior Colson is a "future All-Big Ten player ... at least," and he and Hill-Green are the future.
This is an extremely positive development.
The best position group in the early going on offense (again, keeping in mind they're just getting started) — the receivers. Transfer Daylen Baldwin is going to help as a big receiver, but Cornelius Johnson has made huge strides. Ronnie Bell is leading the way, as expected, but Mike Sainristil has really upped his game, being pushed by the young guys (Roman Wilson and AJ Henning).
They've all really stepped up.
One quarterback in particular — freshman J.J. McCarthy — has done a great job getting them the ball. Redshirt frosh Cade McNamara has been solid and will very likely be the first game starter, but to say the light has gone on for the freshman is an understatement. This comes from several different sources ... and again, while it's early, it's extremely positive how far he's come in such a short period of time.
In short — McNamara had better make the most of his opportunity, because he's got a Mig on his tail (cheesy Top Gun reference).
Finally, the offensive line still has some work to do. They're experimenting with several combinations (and, as a source noted AGAIN, it's early), so that's probably to be expected, but at some point in the next few weeks they're going to need to find a combination and stick with it so they get comfortable together.
There's talent there, though — it's all about finding what works.
Stay tuned for Part II of ITF tomorrow — more football, hoops, etc.
