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| Taco Charlton |
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 265 lbs.
High school: Pickerington (OH) Central
Position: Defensive end
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #33
Last year: Charlton was a senior in high school. He had 116 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and 19 sacks.
Charlton committed to Michigan in February 2012. He was never offered by the home state Buckeyes, but we never saw him waver in his commitment to Michigan. Charlton impressed enough people to get invited to the inaugural The Opening last summer, where he impressed observers further. Analysts praised his athleticism and length while noting that he struggled when he couldn't beat blockers with his initial speed rush. Then he went on to have a monster senior season with those 19 sacks. He enrolled early at Michigan in January and played fairly well in the spring game, albeit against backup offensive linemen.
While Charlton passes the eye test, his technique - especially against the run - will be a question. The starter at weakside end will likely be junior Frank Clark, and the other competitor for that starting spot moved to strongside linebacker. That means Charlton will be fighting for playing time with sophomore Mario Ojemudia, an undersized but athletic player. I would not be surprised if a couple of these weakside ends get on the field at the same time in obvious passing situations. Michigan will have to manufacture a pass rush with Jake Ryan injured and subpar pass rusher Brennen Beyer perhaps taking his place at SAM. I think Charlton will be third on the depth chart at weakside end, but defensive coordinator Greg Mattison likes to rotate defensive linemen, so he should see a fair amount of time.
Prediction: Backup weakside end
Just out of curiosity, what are D linemen doing in the summer in addition to lifting and running?
ReplyDeleteCan they work out on the sleds and dummies in the building? Have they been given technical drills to work on?
I understand that the coaching staff can't be coaching, but can they meet at all, talk football or technique?
Is there some debriefing done at the end of spring practice and homework given out? Can coaches monitor in any fashion?
They can watch film. They would be allowed to do football activities, but they cannot be supervised. I'm sure they have been given drills to do with footwork and such. The players can come to the facility to watch film with the coaches. The coaches meet with the players at the end of spring to let them know where they stand, if there will be position changes, what they should work on, etc. I don't know that the coaches can monitor any kind of homework in the off-season, but they can check to see if the players are watching film via programs like Hudl.
DeletePositional flexibility and situational use -- now you're speaking my language.
ReplyDeleteCharlton probably won't be an essential piece of the team, but he could serve a useful role and make some big plays, not unlike Frank Clark's freshman year. The only hesitancy is that Ojemudia projects to bring similar skills, but maybe there's room for both. I agree that we'll probably seen two WDEs in some situations. And who know, with the early promise (and size) he's shown, he may rise up the depth chart faster than we think.
Thunder, do you believe in the Big Bang Theory?
ReplyDeleteWell, duh. That show is like a mega-hit. Sheldon is my fave!
DeleteHow did you know that Leonard Fournette is on campus?!
ReplyDeleteThat's been the word on the street. Now he might be waiting until the BBQ. I haven't heard any updates since the weekend began except that he was planning to come back up for the BBQ.
DeleteDo you like Kaley Cuoco? :?
ReplyDeleteShe's okay, but I'm out of her league.
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