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| Denzel Ward |
Denzel Ward, a 2014 offensive tackle out of Chicago (IL) Hales Franciscan, is no longer a part of Michigan's recruiting class. The 6'9", 285-pounder committed to Michigan shortly after receiving an offer last year, but things have changed since then. He was offered by Florida and decided to take a visit there, a move the coaches don't like. But he also transferred to IMG Academy in Florida, which is a school specifically geared toward athletes who want to develop and train for the next level. The problem with the transfer is that he reportedly didn't even think to tell the coaches that he was moving from Illinois to Florida. It's unclear whether the coaches will continue to recruit him, but it appears that the staff decided that he should no longer be considered a commit.
Here's
my commitment post on Ward from October. I have to say that he was nearly going to commit to Purdue until he got the Michigan offer, and then he immediately jumped on the offer from the Wolverines. He seemed to be making a hasty decision at the time, and in retrospect . . . it still appears to have been a hasty decision. There's still plenty of time for Michigan to replace Ward in the class, but most of the offered recruits with an eye on Michigan look like guard prospects rather than tackles. Some new offers will likely have to be sent out to get a tackle to take his place, but Michigan might be able to reel in someone like Andy Bauer, Damian Prince, or Braden Smith.
Do you see Bars as a Tackle prospect? He seems to be a legit 6'6". I wouldn't project him as a blindside tackle to replace Ward, especially since he also plays SDE, but could he be the other tackle opposite Wards replacement?
ReplyDeleteI'm not impressed with Bars's pass blocking, so I wouldn't pencil him in as a left tackle. He might be able to play on the right side or play guard. I won't write him off as a LT because he's pretty athletic, but he's not there yet.
DeleteSounds like you are completely closing the door on having Ward come here. I would still like to see us get him, Bars, Cole, and Doles. If the coaches don't want Ward anymore than I'd want Devers instead.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what gave you that impression:
Delete"It's unclear whether the coaches will continue to recruit him, but it appears that the staff decided that he should no longer be considered a commit."
Devers is a guard prospect. Bars is a borderline tackle prospect, but otherwise, it looks like you want a center (Doles), two guards (Cole, Devers), and Bars. In my opinion, that's not a great way to spread around the scholarships.
From our likely targets the best ones I saw in pass pro were the short guys Bauer and Cole. I think either would be our best bet to replace Ward. Bauer's just dominant, and Cole does it right against bull rush, spin moves, and speed rush. Cole seems to have slightly better technique, uses his hands well, has a good base, good leverage from his hips, and quick feet, but Bauer is right up there, too, though a little stronger physically. After those two Damien Prince has a really fast first step, is quick off the snap, is decent in pass blocking, but his strength is more driving forward than backing up. I don't think the inch he has in reach outweighs the advantage Bauer and Cole's good technique can provide in protection. The other guys we're likely to land so far didn't have good enough film for me to guess.
DeleteI realize the offense is focusing on the run but we also need speed....i feel the opposing defense r gonna do the same thing they did against denard (load the box) for a different reason not that gardner cant throw but that are wide outs cant get open ......
ReplyDeleteI think Jeremy Gallon has proven that he can be a downfield threat. That's not a complete solution unto itself, but that's a pretty good start. I don't think Roundtree is a particularly good downfield receiver, so I don't see what the difference would be between last year and this coming season. Michigan was able to throw the ball at the end of the year, so they should be able to throw in 2013.
DeleteAdios!
ReplyDelete