Name your top/key players for next year (rank em)

[Reality Man]

1. Gary. UM needs him to be dominant. UM needs some dominant guys on the DL to help out this new secondary.

2. Walker. Surprised huh? UM needs a big play back. Now Evans shows so good things but UM needs another guy who can hit the hole. UM is way too slow at key offensive skill positions.

3. Ruiz/Onwenu/Ulizio. Why you ask? If Ruiz can handle the position then it will allow Cole to move. Onwenu is a huge key. My opinion is that in order to run the ball it's not necessarily about the tackles but about guards being able to pull. Some of these guys are going to have to be very good.

4. Crawford/Harris/DPJ. When was the last time UM had a big play guy at rb/wr. Not a guy who could go get the jump ball (Junior). I mean a guy who electric (Howard, Edwards, AC).


For all the focus and rightfully so on the OL and rb's...UM has been dealing with the slow plodding Hoke years. The last guy was Gallon and I put him in the backup/reserve list. Looking for the star.

Where is this star?


RM

 

[ecrosswhite]

1) offensive linemen.. LT on through. They have to dominate everyone. We need to have a LT that can pull and open a lane as well as pass protect.
2)DPJ- need to have a playmaker. Someone that can flat out outrun 40% of cornerbacks and separate from 75% and out jump 99% to attack the ball!
3)McDoom-know he is fast, but can he catch and run accurate routes? Need him to balance the field and keep him or DPJ in one on one set ups.
4) R Gary-need to see his beast mode
5) hurst - need to see him lead the B1G in sacks
6)Hill...who will replace Lewis? Someone has to put fear into QB on one side of the field at least

 

[ArrowheadBlue]

Actually rather than ID a specific player here are my thoughts:

the defense will be better because everyone has a year of experience under Brown. The teaching curve has been lowered.
The LBers will be quicker. Although inexperienced the DBs should be good, subject to breakdowns but I think Brown will pencil that into his plays. Remember at BC he had 2 star players shutting down everyone.

OL definitely needs help. I think Cole returns because he'll have another year at center experience. He won't make it at OT on the next level. So that leaves lots of true freshmen but at least two starters return. That's a good start.

I'm still confused by QB and the falloff during the last 4 games. Was he hurt? Did the receivers become slower? I can see a few true freshmen in the lineup in 4-wide. I think TE is well manned.

Whomever wins the QB spot will have at least 2 years in JH's system. That is huge. The train is beginning to roll.

 

[Reality Man]

Remember it's tougher to throw the ball later in the season. Yes, injury/rust did hurt Speight.

In regards to Cole, he does need to move if UM can't find a LT. Newsome isn't going to play at a high level coming off that injury. Just don't see it. Poor guy.

I am not quite as optimistic as you are with the backside of the defense. Too many news guys...it is going to take some time to get the defense up an running. Not saying there isn't some talent and coming back in the Brown system will help but there are going to be plenty of errors.

Look at the LeVert play (OSU or FSU) where he had his back to the ball. Going to be a drop off from Lewis/Stribling and with the safeties. Gedeon was solid this year. Too many new players coming into the fold.

Not going to be terrible but a good offense is going to be able to put points on the board against UM.


RM

 

[JP2Blue]

You said it...Speed at the skilled positions is going to take us to the next level. We will definitely be faster at RB and our WR are going to be young but athletic.

I still think Wheatley should consider moving to OL - where he would have more upside as a pro.

 

[svblue]

Agree about not listing specific stars but looking at three areas that having "stars" will help.

Having RB's that can catch coming out of the backfield and hit the edge quickly when running. Don't remember too much passing to the backs (like FSU and PSU in the bowl games) and that will put some pressure on the LB's. Come to close to stop the run and the RB fly's by as a receiver. Stay back and you have some freedom on the edges assuming the back has speed.

Need to find WR's that can stretch the field and also go up for the ball. I mean those USC receivers brought down all the high/hard throws.

Also have a question about Wilton and the long throws ... something happened and I am guessing his injury had something to do with the lack of at least trying to stretch the field. If not then perhaps Peter's is the next man up.

 

[Reality Man]

I agree. In regards to Speight...he does some things very well (pocket presence) but he clearly needs to be a better long ball passer.

Here is the best news going forward. Peters is going to push the living heck out of Speight. He has going to have to improve because Peters is a natural thrower. A guy with size who can sling it. Speight is going to be looking over his shoulder. I believe he is the safe choice but he is going to be pushed and his job will be threatened before ultimately winning the job by a hair.

Peters is no O'korn.


RM