Saturday, August 30, 2014

Darian Roseboro, Wolverine

Darian Roseboro (image via Gaston Gazette)
Lincolnton (NC) Lincolnton defensive end Darian Roseboro committed to Michigan on Friday. He chose the Wolverines over offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and numerous others.

Roseboro stands 6'4", 283 lbs. and claims a 4.64 forty. As a junior in 2013, he made 125 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and 7 pass breakups. When he was a sophomore, he had 110 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 4 pass breakups, and 4 fumble recoveries. As a freshman, he had 107 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks.

RATINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 82 grade, #20 defensive tackle, #165 overall
Rivals: 4-star, #6 defensive tackle, #42 overall
Scout: 4-star, #14 defensive tackle, #151 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 93 grade, #6 strongside end, #157 overall

Roseboro was offered in May of 2013, and he had been a recruiting priority for the Wolverines from that time onward. He visited Michigan in March and then again in July for the BBQ at the Big House. His final selection came down to Michigan and the North Carolina State Wolfpack, a team that had the hometown advantage (NC State is roughly 3 hours from Lincolnton, whereas UNC is over 4 hours). Now he plans to enroll early at Michigan, beginning in January.

Roseboro has a thick frame with a generous amount of weight in the lower half and a fairly lean upper half. He has a good first step, and he keeps his pad level low when coming out of his stance. He uses his hands consistently to shed blockers and does a good job of finding the ball. He also appears to be a high-motor player who can chase and make hustle plays. Lincolnton uses him as one of their backs in the wishbone, so he has some decent agility but is not what you would call a dynamic runner.

Depending on what position Roseboro plays, quickness may be an issue. He lacks the speed to consistently be an edge rusher. Furthermore, he needs to improve his hand placement and pass rush moves, fundamentals that are a little loose at this juncture.

Overall, I believe Roseboro has a high ceiling as a defensive tackle/strongside end tweener. He doesn't have a lot of body fat, which makes me think that he will grow into a defensive tackle once he adds muscle in a college strength and conditioning program. To play defensive end, I believe Michigan would have to move back to a 4-3 Under defense where he could play the 5-tech; whether Michigan wants to permanently stick with the 4-3 Over remains to be seen. Regardless, Roseboro can find a home in either iteration, so it's not a huge concern. He reminds me a little bit of Glen Steele, a guy who can make plays off the edge with his motor or make a move inside with his strength.

Roseboro is Michigan's eleventh commitment in the class of 2015 and the first from North Carolina since Channing Stribling in 2013. Michigan technically only has about eleven spots in the class, but that number always increases. Meanwhile, Michigan is a little short on rush ends, so they will continue to recruit players like California's Keisean Lucier-South. I do not believe any more defensive tackles or strongside end types are necessary.

TTB Rating: 82 (ratings explanation)

Here are some highlights from a game this year:

6 comments:

  1. Based on his offer list, that ranking seems low. I'm excited about him. Just by size and appearance, he reminds me of Alan Branch.

    I'd be surprised if they didn't move back to the under, given how many DT/DE tweeners they've recruited.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I also am way more bullish on this kid. Probably high 80's or low 90's. I think he and Mone will be part of a line that people won't want to run against.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't see a great deal of NFL potential, which is partly why I don't have him in the 90's.

      Delete
  3. fyi, you need to update your 2015 offer list with your TTB rating for Chris Clark and for Kirkland, neither of whom have a TTB rating listed.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kid reminds me of Wormley. Roseboro may have a little bit better of a motor, but don't think he will wind up quite as big as Wormley. Another solid DL prospect for GMatt.

    ReplyDelete