*** The last time I saw Rivals250 Michigan defensive line commit Quintin Somerville in person way way back in April of last year at a Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro practice (I was actually on the (puke) Notre Dame beat at the time). Somerville was ranked extremely high by the recruiting services and some even had him inside the Top 50. At the time, I liked Somerville's traits but had questions regarding his future position. He played a lot of offensive tackle at the practice, and he didn't exactly look like a monster edge rusher from a size standpoint. I described Somerville as a high motor kid with a ton of talent but a tweener.
*** Fast forward to now, and I still have some of the same questions. While the services were banking on a growth spurt for Somerville, it never really came. Somerville is listed at 6-foot-1, and that height appears to be correct. Standing next to him in our post-game interview, there wasn't any difference between me and Somerville (I'm also 6-1). Again, Somerville has a high motor. He does use his hands really well when pass rushing, and he doesn't have short arms for his height. I don't think he has the frame to add a ton of weight and slide inside. After watching him again tonight, I do feel like Somerville is going to be a pass rushing threat from the five-technique. Side note: Michigan has not given him a set spot.
*** You can point to a guy like LaMarr Woodley, who is only 6-foot-2 and had a great career at Michigan, but he's the rule to the exception not the other way around. Now, I'm not saying Somerville can't have a Woodley like impact in Ann Arbor. The talent that made him a Top 100 prospect to begin with is certainly there, but height is definitely the biggest question mark. Along with that, I want to see Somerville add strength and weight to his frame. He has great hands and technique, but got pushed back a bit too much. Some of that also had to do with his get off. He needs to be quicker off the snap, but once he gets going, that motor doesn't stop.
*** While his performance against Hamilton was a bit underwhelming, he came on late in the game and made a couple of big stops in the fourth quarter. There is a lot to like about Somerville. I personally wouldn't rank him as high as Rivals has him ranked just because I'm not sure he will be an anomaly like Woodley, and I'm not willing to bet on it. But he has a lot of traits and talent to work with. On top of that, he is a high IQ kid, is smart in the classroom and is one of the nicest kids in the 2021 class. He's a great culture fit at Michigan, and I think that will play in his favor.
*** Lastly, a lot of Somerville projection will obviously depend on physical development. He's gotten some great coaching at Saguaro. Jason Mohns is one of the best high school coaches in the country, he has former NFL players on staff and Saguaro consistently churns out top level talent. Technique and adjusting to the college game won't be an issue. Working his ass off in the strength and conditioning program is a must. I like Somerville a lot as a kid and really want to see him excel. I'm really interested to see what Michigan does with him once he arrives in Ann Arbor in January as an early enrollee.
*** Fast forward to now, and I still have some of the same questions. While the services were banking on a growth spurt for Somerville, it never really came. Somerville is listed at 6-foot-1, and that height appears to be correct. Standing next to him in our post-game interview, there wasn't any difference between me and Somerville (I'm also 6-1). Again, Somerville has a high motor. He does use his hands really well when pass rushing, and he doesn't have short arms for his height. I don't think he has the frame to add a ton of weight and slide inside. After watching him again tonight, I do feel like Somerville is going to be a pass rushing threat from the five-technique. Side note: Michigan has not given him a set spot.
*** You can point to a guy like LaMarr Woodley, who is only 6-foot-2 and had a great career at Michigan, but he's the rule to the exception not the other way around. Now, I'm not saying Somerville can't have a Woodley like impact in Ann Arbor. The talent that made him a Top 100 prospect to begin with is certainly there, but height is definitely the biggest question mark. Along with that, I want to see Somerville add strength and weight to his frame. He has great hands and technique, but got pushed back a bit too much. Some of that also had to do with his get off. He needs to be quicker off the snap, but once he gets going, that motor doesn't stop.
*** While his performance against Hamilton was a bit underwhelming, he came on late in the game and made a couple of big stops in the fourth quarter. There is a lot to like about Somerville. I personally wouldn't rank him as high as Rivals has him ranked just because I'm not sure he will be an anomaly like Woodley, and I'm not willing to bet on it. But he has a lot of traits and talent to work with. On top of that, he is a high IQ kid, is smart in the classroom and is one of the nicest kids in the 2021 class. He's a great culture fit at Michigan, and I think that will play in his favor.
*** Lastly, a lot of Somerville projection will obviously depend on physical development. He's gotten some great coaching at Saguaro. Jason Mohns is one of the best high school coaches in the country, he has former NFL players on staff and Saguaro consistently churns out top level talent. Technique and adjusting to the college game won't be an issue. Working his ass off in the strength and conditioning program is a must. I like Somerville a lot as a kid and really want to see him excel. I'm really interested to see what Michigan does with him once he arrives in Ann Arbor in January as an early enrollee.
