 |
| Allen Gant |
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 210 lbs.
High school: Sylvania (OH) Southview
Position: Strong safety
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #12
Last year: Gant was in high school. He had 66 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 1 interception.
Allen Gant is a big, strapping safety who - if the above measurements are accurate - already has the size to play in college. He's the son of a former Michigan defensive back, which probably bodes well for his attitude and dedication. However, Gant seems to be a little short on speed and doesn't appear to be a great "athlete." Of course, Michigan's current starting strong safety, Jordan Kovacs, has done well despite being somewhat limited athletically, so maybe the current coaching staff can use Gant appropriately, too.
Kovacs is entrenched as the starter at SS, and his backup is likely junior Marvin Robinson, who has the physical skills to be good but needs to keep his head on straight. Michigan doesn't necessarily need a third strong safety to be ready, but Gant and redshirt sophomore Josh Furman might compete for playing time if necessary. Gant also has a chance to see time on coverage teams. If there are no injuries or departures at the safety spots, Gant should be able to redshirt and then be a backup to Robinson in 2013.
Prediction: Redshirt
Assuming the worst for his on-field performance at UMich (which may not come to pass ... he could wind up being a contributor), Gant seems like a great "back of the class" recruit. He's a legacy (good for "program" cohesiveness) and he seems to be a high-character guy who will support his teammates and perform well in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteIf you assume the worst, he'll never play a down. If you assume the best he'll live up to the hype he had early in his high school career and be the best Safety Michigan's ever had. Anything in between is possible.
DeleteGiven the 3 guys ahead of him at SS, Wilson's early enrollment, and the fact that there are plenty of (as good if not better) athletes already available for special teams, I'd be shocked if Gant (or Clark for that matter) played this year unless there was an extraordinary spell of attrition.
ReplyDelete