If I Had My Druthers . . . Offensive Linemen

Scottsdale, AZ offensive lineman Cyrus Hobbi

Here's a breakdown of my wish list for offensive linemen in the 2011 recruiting class.  It disregards how likely each player is to commit to Michigan (for example, #1 Cyrus Hobbi is a severe longshot to come to Ann Arbor).  I favored players with the ability to play tackle because Michigan needs tackle prospects more than guards or centers.

Just to stem any questions, I have been asked in the past to rank each offered player.  However, Michigan has offered 31 offensive linemen in this recruiting cycle, and I don't intend to analyze/rank that many kids.  Sorry.

On to the list:

1. Cyrus Hobbi - Guard/Tackle - Scottsdale, AZ
Hobbi has great feet but he's excellent with his hands.  His initial punch is stellar, and he does a good job of getting extension with his arms, which prevents defenders from getting their hands on him.  He reminds me of Patrick Omameh.

2. Chris Bryant - Guard/Tackle - Chicago, IL
Bryant is thickly built, has good feet, and looks like a demoralizing blocker.  He would be an ideal guard, but has the length and athleticism to play tackle at the next level, as well.

3. Aundrey Walker - Tackle - Cleveland, OH
Walker is about 350 pounds and an absolute mauler. He has surprisingly nimble feet for someone his size, but doesn't necessarily fit the mold of a zone-blocking tackle. Some of that bulk would have to be sacrificed to play at Michigan, and I'm not sure if that's in Walker's future.

4. Josue Matias - Tackle - Union City, NJ
Matias has a thinner frame than Walker, but he's not as good of an athlete.  He doesn't move his feet very well laterally and lets defenders slide off his blocks at times.

5. Errin Joe - Guard - Lakeland, FL
Joe is a bit more lumbering than the tackle prospects, and at only 6'4", he's more of a guard.  He does stay on his blocks well, but he's not an extremely aggressive blocker.

If I Had My Druthers . . . Tight Ends

Tight end prospect Jack Tabb

The following list is a wish list of tight end prospects in the Class of 2011.  This list takes into account Michigan's needs, its offensive system, and the depth chart.  For example, Jerell Adams is a very good overall athlete, but Michigan's lack of depth at tight end means that any tight end in this class has to be ready to contribute by 2012 at the latest.

1. Jay Rome - Valdosta, GA
Big (6'5", 255 lbs.), fast, and physical.  Reminds me of Alge Crumpler.

2. Ray Hamilton - Strongsville, OH (Iowa commit)
Catches the ball well in traffic.  Doesn't have great speed, but very shifty after the catch.

3. Brian Miller - Andover, MA (Boston College commit)
Good frame for adding weight to 6'4", 215 lbs.  Excellent feet and a very tough runner after the catch.

4. Jeff Heuerman - Naples, FL (Ohio State commit)
Very good size and body control.

5. Darien Bryant - Pickerington, OH
Small-ish tight end, but a very willing and fundamentally sound blocker.  Very good speed but needs to add weight.

6. Brandon Fulse - Fort Meade, FL
Large tight end (6'4", 247 lbs.) who's a powerful runner.  Not an extremely adept blocker despite size.

7. Jack Tabb - Red Bank, NJ
Solid but unspectacular all-around athlete.  Could also play outside linebacker.

7. Nick Vannett - Westerville, OH (Ohio State commit)
Good size and frame.  Average speed.  Seems a bit undisciplined and doesn't finish routes.

8. Frank Clark - Cleveland, OH
Large wide receiver/small tight end prospect.  Needs to add weight to 210 lb. frame.  Could also play outside linebacker.

9. Jerell Adams - Summerton, SC
Tall, rangy athlete with decent speed.  Serious developmental prospect who played quarterback and safety in high school.  Generally looks like one of those kids who's tall, long, and somewhat fast . . . but isn't really a great football player.

No video on which to judge: Taques Franklin, Drew Owens