Offensive guard Chuck Filiaga has entered the transfer portal. Filiaga started four games at guard in 2021 and eight throughout his career on the way to appearing in 39 total games.
Filiaga was a class of 2017 recruit and could have returned in 2022 for a sixth year, considering the 2020 COVID year was a free year of eligibility. Instead he'll play the year elsewhere. He was a 4-star, the #13 offensive tackle, and #112 overall. I gave him a TTB Rating of 86 (LINK). It turns out I should have paid more attention to my red flags:
On the negative side, it’s a bit of a red flag that Filiaga doesn’t have more film as a big-time recruit. His junior highlights are just over two minutes long, and his senior highlights last 38 seconds. It may be an issue with the film or technology or the coach, so it’s not necessarily a lack of highlight-worthy plays, but it’s still a question mark. That dearth of highlights also shows up when it comes to pass protection, because there’s not a whole lot that shows his ability to fend off edge rushers. I think Filiaga shows some weaknesses when it comes to footwork and needs to be more consistent in that area. Another inconsistency is his stance, where he frequently seems to telegraph run vs. pass or even the direction of his block. If defenders get underneath him or slant across his face, he sometimes has trouble adjusting.
Filiaga did okay at Michigan, but he was pretty much always the weak link when he was starting. His lateral quickness was lacking, which made him a liability in pass protection, and he seemed to be a step late to identify blitzes and stunts. He played decent at times and starting at a big program is no small feat with all the 4-star prospects Michigan has landed, but it seemed like the competition in Ann Arbor was just a little too good for him. He could certainly go somewhere else and start next year, and that includes for plenty of other teams in the Big Ten. In general, it seems like a high percentage of transfers head closer to home, so the Texas native could very well end up closer to SEC/Big 12 country.
The only remaining 2017 signees are offensive tackle Andrew Stueber, punter Brad Robbins, tight end Joel Honigford, and defensive tackle Donovan Jeter. I use the word "remaining" loosely because I expect most of them to also jump to the NFL, except perhaps Honigford. Honigford came in as an offensive lineman and transitioned to tight end, losing a bunch of weight in the process. I will be interested to see whether he tries to hone his skills at that position for one more year, make an attempt at the NFL as is, or perhaps bulk back up to play offensive line now that Michigan is losing a couple guys.
I'm projecting next year's offensive line to look like this:
- LT: Ryan Hayes (RS Sr.)
- LG: Trevor Keegan (Jr.)
- C: Olu Oluwatimi (6th)
- RG: Zak Zinter (RS So.)
- RT: Trente Jones (RS Jr.)
Maybe they should have given him a try at nose. Ed Warinner called him "a mauler". Sound like a NT.
ReplyDeleteMaybe he'll end up with Ed Warinner.
BTW, is there going to be Ryan Osborn D Line coach post coming soon?
ReplyDeleteI would not expect a new position coach to be hired until after the Harbaugh thing gets settled. It doesn't make much sense to hire someone - or be hired - if a coaching change is going to take place.
DeleteFiliaga was a relentless player. He may not have been agile enough to shine, or even be really good, but the effort was beyond reproach. Take a look at some of our big run plays (when he was in), and you could always see Filiaga chasing downfiled, ready to make an extra block or be a part of the celebration
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to the young man
I agree with you there. He was a high effort player, and the other guys seemed to really like him. If that weren't the case, I don't know that he would have lasted five years at Michigan.
DeleteGood point.
DeleteBest of luck to him and congrats on graduating from Michigan. I'm noticing a lot of our transfers are proud to be M grads even some guys who played elsewhere and were not well liked by fans (e.g., Tarik Black).
ReplyDeleteThis move makes sense for Filiaga since Zinter and Keegan look like they're going to get drafted and Filiaga has something to prove in terms of production. He'll likely do well wherever he lands and may get himself an NFL opportunity in the process. Solid player who made a real contribution here before getting passed by more talented guys. It happens.
Eligibility stuff is a mess to figure out because of COVID but I think Jones/Keegan/Barnhart should all be in the same boat. Only Barnhart played in 2019 (2 games). 2020 was COVID and all 3 played in 2021 obviously. So they should all be seniors in 2022 (IRL) and their eligibility should be the same whatever it is.
ReplyDeleteHayes will be 5th and Oluwatimi 6th. Both would be in final years assuming the NFL is their next step. Zinter is the relatively young one (2022 junior) but may be off to the NFL as well after 2022.
2023 looks to be a pretty major reset for the OL so it'll be important to get the next generation playing time during the year.
This is why it's important to get our depth plenty of reps. Keep the backups out of the portal, and ready to slide in
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