Chicago (IL) Hales Franciscan offensive tackle Denzel Ward
If you want the bare bones of Chicago (IL) Hales Franciscan offensive tackle Denzel Ward's October commitment to Michigan, you can check out his commitment post. At that time he hadn't released any film to evaluate, so I couldn't really say much about him. But now he has released his junior highlights, so let's get down to business with this film.
Strengths: Huge body, listed at 6'9", 295 lbs. . . . Long arms should aid in keeping defenders out of his body . . . Instinctively active feet . . . Moves feet beyond initial contact . . . Impressive knee bend for his height . . . Uses hands fairly well for such an inexperienced player . . . Very athletic . . . Runs well downfield . . . Should be effective on perimeter and at second level . . . Good attitude on finishing drive blocks
Weaknesses: Sometimes takes a false initial step before engaging defender . . . Occasionally overstrides when drive blocking . . . Can get off balance in pass protection, though long arms negate this issue slightly . . . Shows occasional tendency to be a waist bender . . . Leans a little too much in pass protection and can get feet crossed up . . . Needs to stick with pass blocks a little longer and play to the whistle
Projection: Left offensive tackle. Ward is a prototypical left tackle, but his footwork leaves a little to be desired. He has the athleticism to be great but is inconsistent with his technique. That's understandable because he didn't start playing organized football until his junior year. The potential is there, but it will take some refinement of his technique and some good coaching to help him reach his potential. I could see him developing into an All-American, but the biggest question is: Will he work at it? Some guys who start playing football late in high school don't necessarily show the long-term commitment to the sport. Obviously, nobody knows how much he loves the sport except him, but he could be a premier left tackle if he stays committed to his craft.
Reminds me of: Andrus Peat (freshman offensive tackle at Stanford)
Birmingham (MI) Brother Rice linebacker Jon Reschke
ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2013
Bloomfield (MI) Brother Rice linebacker Jon Reschke was offered by Michigan. Reschke is a 6'2", 230 lb. prospect who committed to Michigan State back in February. This is a bit of an odd offer because Michigan told guys like E.J. Levenberry, Alex Anzalone, and Shane Jones that they were done recruiting linebackers after Ben Gedeon committed. I do not think the coaches would go back on their word, so this likely means that a 2013 commit is wavering or a current player is going to wrap up his Michigan career earlier than expected. Reschke himself is a Michigan State legacy, but MSU's season has gone downhill; he's also friends with incoming quarterback Shane Morris. I was not high on Reschke's junior film, but his senior highlights below show a kid who has improved significantly since his junior year.
ADDED TO THE BOARD: 2014
Tarpon Springs (FL) East Lake wide receiver Artavis Scott was offered by Michigan. Scott is a 5'11", 180 lb. prospect with offers from Florida, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and South Carolina, among others. He's also the teammate of fellow 2014 offeree Mason Cole, an offensive lineman who said that the offer to Scott helps Michigan's chances. Both Cole and Scott have visited Michigan this year, which is significant since they came all the way from Florida.
MISCELLANEOUS
Check out the Recruit Tracker series to see how Michigan's 2013 and 2014 commits are doing.
In case you're interested, Duluth (GA) Peachtree Ridge offensive tackle Orlando Brown - the 6'9", 375 lb. behemoth - finally has a highlight film posted.
Also, Chicago (IL) Hales Franciscan offensive tackle Denzel Ward, who is committed to Michigan for 2014, released his film yesterday. The kid is very athletic, and it's immediately obvious why Michigan offered him.
August 23, 2012: Conley's Massillon (OH) Washington team beat the Ricky Powers-coached Akron (OH) Buchtel team, 51-21. Conley had 3 receptions for 81 yards, along with 1 rushing attempt for 8 yards. He also had 2 tackles and 1 tackle for loss. Massillon is now 1-0.
August 30, 2012: Washington lost to Canton (OH) GlenOak by a score of 26-24. Conley had 8 receptions for 117 yards and 1 touchdown to go with 2 tackles and 1 blocked extra point. Washington is now 1-1.
September 7, 2012: Washington beat Maumee (OH) Maumee by a score of 34-12. Conley had 1 reception for 5 yards. Washington is now 2-1.
September 14, 2012: Washington beat Massillon (OH) Perry by a score of 41-21. Conley had 2 tackles, 1 interception returned for a 78-yard touchdown, and 4 receptions for 103 yards and 3 touchdowns. Washington is now 3-1.
September 21, 2012: Washington beat Steubenville (OH) Steubenville by a score of 24-7. Conley had 3 tackles to go along with 3 receptions for 65 yards and 1 touchdown. He also returned 1 kickoff for 21 yards. On the season, he has 19 receptions for 371 yards and 5 touchdowns. Washington is now 4-1.
September 28, 2012: Washington beat Akron (OH) Firestone by a score of 62-27. Conley had 8 receptions for 176 yards and 2 touchdowns; the first was a 42-yarder and the second from 3 yards out. He also had 3 kickoff returns for 101 yards, including a 61-yarder. And on defense, he had 3 tackles, 1 pass breakup, and 1 blocked kick. That gives him 27 catches for 547 yards and 7 touchdowns. Firestone wide receiver Kevin Gladney, who was offered by Michigan but committed to Nebraska, had 5 catches for 133 yards and 1 touchdown. Washington is now 5-1.
October 5, 2012: Washington beat Austintown (OH) Fitch by a score of 34-14. Conley had 5 receptions for 108 yards and 2 touchdowns; he also had 2 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 kickoff return for 14 yards. He now has 32 receptions for 655 yards and 9 touchdowns on the year. Washington is now 6-1.
October 12, 2012: Washington beat Brantford (Ontario) Pauline Johnson Christian Academy by a score of 71-12. Conley played in the game, but he did not accrue any statistics. Washington is now 7-1.
October 19, 2012: Washington beat Akron (OH) St. Vincent-St. Mary by a score of 44-23. Conley had 2 receptions for 61 yards and 1 touchdown, along with 2 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and 2 pass breakups. Washington is now 8-1.
October 26, 2012: Washington beat Canton (OH) McKinley by a score of 37-29. Conley had 2 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 3 kickoff returns for 30 yards, and 3 catches for 106 yards and 1 touchdown. He now has 37 receptions for 822 yards and 11 touchdowns. Washington is now 9-1.
November 3, 2012: Washington beat Nordonia (OH) Nordonia by a score of 63-34. Conley had 1 carry for a 29-yard touchdown and 3 receptions for 45 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also returned 1 kickoff for 14 yards. Conley now has 40 receptions for 867 yards and 13 receiving touchdowns. Washington is 10-1.
November 9, 2012: Washington beat Canton (OH) McKinley by a score of 28-19. Conley had 4 receptions for 95 yards and 1 touchdown, along with 1 tackle on defense. Washington is now 11-1.
November 16, 2012: Washington lost to Toledo (OH) Whitmer by a score of 49-16. Conley had 6 catches for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns, along with 4 tackles on defense. Washington ends the season with an 11-2 record.
Final stats: 50 receptions, 1096 yards, 16 touchdowns; 2 carries, 37 yards, 1 touchdown; 25 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 fumble recoveries; 1 interception returned 78 yards for a touchdown; 2 punt returns for 31 yards; 16 kick returns for 356 yards
