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| Courtney Avery (#5) |
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 173 lbs.
High school: Mansfield (OH) Lexington
Position: Cornerback
Class: Junior
Jersey number: #5
Last year: I ranked Avery #22 and said he would start at cornerback with 40 tackles and 2 interceptions. He started four games at slot corner and had 26 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1/2 a sack, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries (1 returned for a touchdown).
I thought Avery would be a full-time starting corner last season, but the coaches preferred to use him in the slot. He started just four games, but he played very well in that role. He filled up the stat sheet, as you can see above, and clinched the Ohio State win with a nice break on the ball for an interception. As just a part-time starter, he was the co-leader in interceptions and tied a Michigan record with an 83-yard fumble return for a touchdown. It was a very good all-around season.
Both starters at the outside cornerback positions return in 2012 (J.T. Floyd, Blake Countess), so it's unlikely that Avery will move out of the slot unless there's an injury or two. However, I think Avery is a very capable athlete who could step in for one of those two guys and hold up pretty well. The backups are young, inexperienced, and a little bit lacking in talent. The one with the most potential is probably freshman Terry Richardson, who is only 154 lbs. and probably needs a redshirt. If everyone stays healthy, Avery should continue to be an asset at the slot corner and make even more of an impact. Once Floyd graduates after this season, we could see Avery slide outside. Either way, Avery should have a very solid career under his belt after 2013 finishes.
Prediction: Starting slot corner; 30 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 sacks
How are you going to write about Courtney Avery and not have a picture of The Pick?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.annarbor.com/assets_c/2011/11/UM_OSU_AveryIntercept-thumb-333x221-95970.jpg
http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Courtney+Avery/Ohio+State+v+Michigan/dnILuUOocpn
Im from the same home town and grew up playing sports with Courtney Avery. He is one of the hardest working kids I know, and deserves everything he gets. He started as a freshmen in high school at QB and point guard. He may never be that stand out starter for Michigan but is great in the slot and reliable outside. The best part about C Avery is he truelly embodies what a Michigan man is all about. I'm honored to be able to call him my friend. When he made that pick in the OSU game that sealed the deal, that was the best moment of my life! Great right up thanks for all the work u put in!
ReplyDeleteAs a player and a person, it sounds like Avery is a great kid to have on the team.
ReplyDelete