Name: Amir Herring
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 305 lbs.
High school: West Bloomfield (MI) West Bloomfield
Position: Offensive guard
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #56
Last year: Herring was a senior in high school (LINK). He made 85 pancake blocks.
TTB Rating: 73
Herring was a long-time Michigan lean who at one point seemed unlikely to end up in Michigan's class. How is that possible? Well, it seemed at times like Michigan was not pursuing Herring heavily, even though he was offered on July 1, 2020 (today's the three-year anniversary!). Pegged as a tackle early in his recruitment, his lack of height eventually led to him being ranked as an interior lineman. Word on the street was that Michigan wasn't really sold on taking him unless he was open to playing center, but once that was ironed out, he became a take.
Herring enrolled early back in January and participated in the spring game, where he started for one squad at right guard. He performed well, and he has a college-ready build at 6'3" and 305 lbs. Whether he can hold up at guard or will eventually have to slide over to center once a spot opens remains to be seen: Drake Nugent, Greg Crippen, and Raheem Anderson are all older with the ability to play center. For now Herring might be the most college ready offensive lineman in the class, but with the depth on the line, he may still be buried. My guess is that he plays in a few early-season games, but not enough to burn his redshirt.
Prediction: Redshirt
I would think that Center would be the funnest place to play if you're an offensive lineman, for the same reason I always fought to play catcher even tho I was scrawny and could run. You're responsible for the calls and as such are engaged every second of the game. Catcher is much better than standing out there in center field with not much to do but wonder why your girlfriend is talking to that guy who keeps hanging around for your games. But that's a different story.
ReplyDeleteRoanman
It seems like it would be fun, but I've had a ton of kids shy away from snapping the ball because they're afraid of the pressure: they don't want to be responsible for bad snaps, missing calls, etc. It's a high pressure situation. My best centers have been the really confident, gregarious types of kids who don't mind talking and who don't necessarily mind embarrassing themselves in front of groups of people. I've never had a shy center.
DeleteYou know you're ready for the season when your commenting on TTB's #91 player!
ReplyDeleteHell yeah! I appreciate the comments. It breaks up the monotony of talking to myself.
DeleteAgreed
ReplyDeleteSometimes tho, talking to yourself is the only intelligent conversation you can find.
ReplyDeleteEspecially around here! Zing!
DeleteJust kidding, folks.
Every time I see a freshman OL on the countdown I'm thankful for the job harbaugh has done. There was a time a few years ago where the depth was so bad that most ever recruit was at least considered a candidate for immediate playing time. Now it's pretty much just limited to future NFL all pros to be in the conversation.
ReplyDeleteYep...it's definitely nice to have all these OL guys so low in the countdown.
Deleteoh yeah, theyve gone heavy at OL/DL while lessening numbers elsewhere and its paid off. QB the most impactful position but good teams handle the line of scrimmage. thankfully theyve moved away from relying on guys like cole or bredeson to start day 1.
Deletethey also have talented, energetic coaches whove been able to sustain a culture where guys push themselves and each other to develop. you need the input with good prospects but culture in the rooms also a huge piece. it appears they have guys willing to work and sacrifice, with positive attitudes and that can be contagious
Right. We have guys like olu Henderson and Nugent drawn to it from the outside and dudes inside the program willing to wait their turn. Hinton coming here for a bench role is the strongest evidence of the cultural strength imo.
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