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| Amara Darboh |
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 205 lbs.
High school: West Des Moines (IA) Dowling Catholic
Position: Wide receiver
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #82
Last year: Darboh was in high school. He had 48 receptions for 765 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Final TTB Rating: 77
Darboh achieved the above statistics in just six games due to a shoulder injury, which required offseason surgery. Despite the injury, he maintained a place in the various recruiting sites' top X lists. He committed to Michigan in December over a pretty impressive list of offers that included Florida, Iowa, and Notre Dame.
Darboh has recently stated that he's 6'3" and around 210 lbs., which is very well developed for a freshman receiver. People who have seen him this offseason say he looks like an outside linebacker rather than a wideout, which should bode well for his chances at earning playing time this fall. In fact, that physical development is reminiscent of the now graduated Junior Hemingway (who was 6'1", 202 lbs. as a true freshman). Hemingway played as a true freshman, though he made a minimal impact that season. I expect a similar experience for Darboh as a freshman. Numbers at the wide receiver position suggest that he, Jehu Chesson, or both will see the field this season in some capacity. He probably won't touch the ball much, but he might catch one or two passes to get his feet wet.
Prediction: Backup wide receiver
Hemingway had a rare 5-year career in college. Interestingly, he caught passes from both Chad Henne and Devin Gardner. Quite a range in years.
ReplyDeleteGuy just looks like a receiver should look like, if that makes any sense.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is some good size for an incoming freshman. Hope he can still move at that weight. Darboh and Chesson have great opportunities to contribute early. If they are ready, I expect to see both play. As you mention, FR WR's usually do not make a huge contribution. But it would be nice to get them used to playing in games and prep them for '13.
ReplyDeleteThese two appear to be much more prototypical outside WR's than the upperclassmen. And a bunch more are joining in '13. With midwest WR talent down a bit lately, Hoke and co. are still doing a nice job addressing this team need.
He and Chesson are both interesting cases. They are potentially high upside players, but with no WR in the previous class and a big class coming the following year, there's less incentive to red-shirt them. Michigan fans are hoping one of these guys emerges as a star, but it's a tall task for a freshman.
ReplyDeleteLast year, the top 3 WR were targeted on over 55% of all passes. After RBs and TEs get theirs, the next highest receiver got about 5%. From that trio, Roundtree and Gallon return, but the 3rd WR spot is open. My best guess is that a lot of people get a chance early, kind of like running back last year, before a top group of 3-5 players emerge by mid-season. Because Gallon and Roundtree are both on the small side, Chesson, Darboh (and Jackson and Miller) will have plenty of opportunity to play. Though I have to admit, seeing a 3-wide formation with Dileo, Gallon, and Roundtree would be kind of amusing. (I know, I know, no one thinks this will actually happen, just saying...)
Lank, a 3-wide set with Roundtree, Gallon, and Dileo is fine and can work well...if you plan on running a Northwestern or Purdue spread'n'shred. But we don't. And it's difficult to find it "amusing" when none of your receivers are bigger than any of the opposing defensive backs.
DeleteNorthwestern and Purdue have very different offenses. Michigan ran a spread offense last year.
DeleteI think Darboh and Chesson will supplant Miller and Jackson as soon as they develop and understanding of the scheme. I wouldn't be surprised to see one of them finish the year 3rd in receptions.
ReplyDeleteNo love for Jerald Robinson over Jackson and Miller? He made some buzz this spring.
DeleteI'm excited to see Amara play. That's really good size for an incoming freshman.
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