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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

2011 Countdown: #36 John McColgan

John McColgan
Name: John McColgan
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 231 lbs.
High school: Nouvel Catholic High School in Saginaw, MI
Position: Fullback
Class: Redshirt senior
Jersey number: #49
Last year: I didn't rank McColgan.  He had 1 catch for 2 yards and a touchdown, plus 1 tackle on special teams.

Michigan generally eschewed the fullback with Denard Robinson at quarterback, which meant very little playing time for McColgan.  He did play in 10 games at the fullback position, but that was mostly limited to short yardage and goal line plays rather than part of the base offense.  I remember some good blocks and some not-so-good blocks, but mostly, you know fullbacks exist but end up ignoring them.  They're like fat girls at the bar.

I really don't know what to expect from McColgan.  I can only say what I would do with him, and that's leave him on the bench most of the time.  I come from the school of thought that preaches "Get your best athletes on the field."  Since Stephen Hopkins is practically as big (1 inch shorter and 4 pounds lighter) but a better athlete overall, then I think Hopkins ought to play fullback, at least in the West Coast, split-back, play-action passing style.  McColgan could still carry on his role of lead blocking on short yardage and goal line plays, but when Michigan is on its own 30-yard line starting a drive . . . what's the point of leaving your array of dangerous (though unproven) backs on the sideline?

It remains to be seen whether Al Borges thinks like me.  The only thing I can tell you for sure is that Al Borges eats like me.

Prediction: Goal line and short yardage fullback; 3 carries, 10 yards

5 comments:

  1. $20 bucks says that the word "eschewed" was fresh in your mind from the sing-along arby's commercial that's been playing non-stop on ESPN. hahaha...it's good mood food.

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  2. Any chance that Michigan starts using the backup RB (not 3rd down back) as the FB so they can "earn" their starting spot. Then once the older RB leaves the FB moves to RB and the new backup starts at FB?

    I know it's not always practical but I think it's such an amazing system. It seems like it's a possibility though if Michigan starts (continues) to recruit big RBs.

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  3. I read your prediction before I read your analysis. My mistake. I saw"Goal line and short yardage fullback; 3 carries, 10 yards" and thought, ummm, you know what kind of offense were supposedly running, right? But after reading your analysis, I agree. I don't like Hopkins at RB like many people do, put him at "fullback" and put Shaw (or somebody else, I just like Shaw the most) in at tailback. This leaves the option open for FB carries etc.

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  4. @ Anonymous 12:37 p.m.

    I actually don't remember that word being used in the commercial, but that "It's good mood food" ditty is really annoying.

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  5. @ KB 1:37 p.m.

    That's not impossible if it's Hopkins, but I don't think the FB position will be for the heir apparent at RB. Hopefully it will just be a guy who's good at playing FB.

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