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| Henry Poggi |
Poggi is a 6'4", 260 lb. defensive tackle for his high school. Poggi had 49 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks as a junior in 2011. He claims a 4.7 forty.
Ratings:
ESPN: 4-star, 81 grade, #23 DT
Rivals: 4-star, #2 DT, #52 overall
Scout: 4-star, #15 DT, #135 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 94 grade, #7 DT, #105 overall
Poggi is one of the more quiet recruits on the recruiting circuit, so it was hard to judge by his words where he was leaning. However, it was clear for a while that Michigan and Alabama were toward the forefront, since those were places he visited. Poggi was present for Michigan's victory over Purdue last October, and he visited again this past March. His most recent visit was to Tuscaloosa, which had some Michigan fans worried when it was revealed that Poggi was ready to announce. But Poggi's release on Monday morning was in favor of the Wolverines.
I scouted Poggi back in March, and there's not much to add to that evaluation. He's a good player, but he appears to be somewhat limited athletically. According to Poggi himself, the coaches want him to learn the 5-tech defensive end position before bulking up and eventually playing 3-tech defensive tackle. No matter where he begins his career, I think he'll be a defensive tackle by the time he actually sees playing time on Saturdays. The basic techniques are similar for both positions, so changing spots shouldn't hamper his development.
Poggi should have a solid career ahead of him at Michigan. He is not the type of athlete who is likely to develop into a Ndamukong Suh or Nick Fairley-type college superstar, but he is a high character, hardworking, technical player with good athleticism. After what is likely to be a redshirt year in 2013 (when Jibreel Black will probably still be starting at 3-tech), Poggi will compete with fellow freshman Maurice Hurst, Jr. and a host of 2012 kids for the 3-tech position. If things go well, I could see him being a mid-round NFL draft pick in four or five years.
Along with Hurst, this gives Michigan two defensive tackles, three defensive linemen, and 20 total commitments in the 2013 class. Technically, Michigan only has 20 spots open for the class of 2013, but coaches can typically count on a few guys not returning from year to year, so the class is expected to grow to 23-24 players. Poggi is the seventh Michigan commit to be scheduled to participate in January's Under Armour All-American Game.
TTB Rating: 81 (ratings explanation)
Terrific. Two solid DL classes in a row. I particularly like the fact that Hoke's DL recruits are not coming in needing to put on 40 or 50 pounds. My guess is that these bigger kids will have a shorter development timeline.
ReplyDeleteThere seems to be somewhat of a disconnect between the recruiting service write-ups (and yours) and his offer sheet. The recruiting sites all say "should be a quality, albeit limited, player" but his offer sheet says superstar. Why do you think that is - do coaches just see a low-risk player worth adding for depth?
ReplyDeleteI think he's a low risk, glue guy. I have a feeling he'll stick around and he'll be a heavy contributor. He doesn't have a superstar's athleticism, but he'll give you a Ryan Van Bergen-like output for two or three years, I think. I think most teams would take that if it's a "sure thing."
DeleteLankownia,
DeleteWhat is your evaluation? I think Thunder is spot on in his analysis. Take a look at Poggi's film. Not a great athlete, not quick twitch. Solid, smart, football player. I think Thunder's "glue" comment was perfect. Poggi does, though, have to get MUCH bigger before he ever moves inside. Good get. Not tops on my board, though.
I'm not qualified to have an evaluation, nor am I arguing with Thunder's. Poggi has a fantastic offer list but his evaluations don't seem to be as glowing. The (relatively) low ceiling & low floor explanation that Thunder gave makes sense to me.
DeleteRemember that this kid does not enroll for another 14 months. He'll be a solid 270+ by the 2013 season, and he is reportedly strong. UM is planning on starting Black this year at 3-tech, and he is a relatively "soft" 270. So I don't think size will be a problem for Poggi. Should be 280+ by his second season.
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