Sunday, July 28, 2013

2013 Season Countdown: #32 Mario Ojemudia

Mario Ojemudia (#53)
Name: Mario Ojemudia
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 244 lbs.
High school: Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison
Position: Defensive end
Class: Sophomore
Jersey number:#53
Last year: I ranked Ojemudia #61 and said he would be a backup weakside end. He had 11 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.

Ojemudia played immediately against Alabama in last season's opener, making 3 tackles and .5 tackles for loss. Not a bad start to a career. He showed some flashes of being a playmaker with a diving interception off a deflection against Nebraska and when he forced a fumble against South Carolina by spiking inside and surprising the Gamecocks running back. Despite making plays in limited time, he still found himself way behind starter Brennen Beyer, whose next big play will be his first, and a little behind Frank Clark.

This year Ojemudia has added about 20 lbs. and should be more physically ready to take on a bigger role. While neither Beyer or Clark graduated, the former has been bumped to SAM linebacker while Jake Ryan recovers form his torn ACL. That should move Ojemudia up to the backup role behind Clark, although freshman Taco Charlton will also press for playing time. Michigan is clearly stockpiling some talent at the weakside end spot, because they have three long and athletic guys to throw out there even though the starter switched to another position. Michigan should finally get some consistent, quality production and explosiveness from the WDE spot.

Prediction: Backup weakside end

11 comments:

  1. I mean no disrespect to Mario Ojemudia who I really like as a player and would have liked to see get a chance at SAM, but ..... Woooooooo!!!!!

    Woooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!

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  2. Where's the George Campbell post? :O

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    1. ^
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      I was wondering too, I cried when I came on and there was not post. What's up with that? :'-{

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  3. When is the most anticipated George Campbell post coming? ----
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  4. Just to let you know George Campbell committed!!! I am waiting for your commit post :-|

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    1. I'm glad you're so eager, but I'm on vacation. I don't think I'm going to type up a commitment post on my iPhone, unfortunately.

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  5. Sitting behind Clark and with Charlton right behind him, this seems a bit high for Ojemudia. As you said, he did flash some ability and will doubtlessly be part of the rotation but we have 3 guys here - none are real experienced but all have a similar level of talent and potential. Seems like a promising player, but if Ojemudia misses time he wouldn't be sorely missed.

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    1. I don't trust Charlton yet. Good physical specimen but we'll see how disciplined he is.

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    2. That's fair, but last year Ojemudia played OK despite being smaller and seemingly more raw than Taco. He's no lock, but as far as 3rd stringers go we're in real good shape...especially since WDE is one of the easier positions to make an immediate impact at.

      Plus, if Ryan is back in October Beyer could be slid back to DE. WDE is a spot I have almost no worry about. It's just about how ready-to-break-out Clark is and then the talented kids fighting behind him.

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  6. Brady Hoke doing a great job recruiting

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  7. Brady Hoke doing a great job recruiting

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