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| Kelvin Grady |
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 176 lbs.
High school: East Grand Rapids High School in Grand Rapids, MI
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Redshirt senior
Jersey number: #19
Last year: I ranked Grady #62 and said his production would fall off from 2009. He caught 17 passes for 211 yards and rushed 4 times for 17 yards, which means his production bumped up from 2009 to 2010.
Grady surprised me a little bit in 2010. With Roy Roundtree, Martavious Odoms, Jeremy Gallon, and Terrence Robinson playing slot receiver, I assumed Grady's touches would decrease a little bit. Instead he jumped from 10 catches for 102 yards to 17 catches for 211. That's not bad production for a #3 slot receiver. After playing basketball for Coach John Beilein for a couple seasons, Grady has turned into a reliable but unspectacular target for Michigan's quarterbacks.
It's unclear how much slot receiver types will impact in 2011. Considering a renewed emphasis on tight ends, I can only assume that overall production from the slot will decrease. However, Darryl Stonum's status remains up in the air, and if his suspension leads to a long-term absence, that opens the door for another contributor at the receiver position. Junior Hemingway, Roundtree, and Odoms have to be the front-runners for playing time, and Grady will be battling junior Je'Ron Stokes, sophomore Jeremy Jackson, and redshirt freshman Jerald Robinson for snaps in the rotation. Grady should still provide an elusive option from the slot when Michigan goes to three- and four-receiver sets.
Prediction: Backup wide receiver/slot receiver; 12 catches, 150 yards
If Odoms is slated to play on the outside, Grady becomes the #1 end-around whiz, IMO in addition to another slot guy. He's got good hands and a little wiggle if he doesn't hesitate.
ReplyDeleteI think there are more questions about the other receivers battling for playing time. Grady has pretty much established what he is on the field.
I like grady for his sure hands. He makes the most of the balls thrown his way. Hes not as fast as our other slots, but he does seem reliable.
ReplyDeleteSeems like a fair prediction. Could be higher if they use a more open shotgun-based offense...or not. Maybe they'll stick to 2 WR with either 2 TE or 2 backs. If so, I think they'd be playing away from the strength of the current roster. Koger is the only legit TE and none of the backs have impressed. I'd rather Grady was out there than a second TE or RB.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to this year's August practice reports since the offensive strategy is so TBD.
It is interesting that practice rumblings haven't mentioned Grady much, but that's probably normal for a depth-senior.