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| Brady Pallante (image via Maize and Blue News) |
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 276 lbs.
High school: Naples (FL) Barron Collier
Position: Fullback
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #45
Last year: I ranked Pallante #88 and said he would redshirt. He redshirted.
Pallante was an undersized nose tackle last year and did not see the field at all. When Jim Harbaugh was hired and spring practice began, many were surprised to find that Pallante had a new jersey and a new position. One major reason for the position change is likely that both fullbacks (Joe Kerridge, Sione Houma) are seniors that will need to be replaced in 2016. Harbaugh also probably has a plan to work a jumbo fullback into the backfield, and that role could be filled by Pallante or perhaps some like defensive tackle Maurice Hurst, Jr. Pallante won't be a starter this season and probably won't be an extremely valuable member of the offense, but he could see an occasional snap in certain packages.
Prediction: Backup fullback
Looking on Rivals, I see Pallante was a 2-star recruit with an offer from Appalachian State, but nobody else. The Michigan recruiters were Greg Mattison and Jeff Hecklinski.
ReplyDeleteAny speculation as to what the original thinking was for Pallante? Why the interest in him, and what might they have envisioned?
They originally wanted him as a nose tackle who could use his leverage and wrestling skills to hold down the middle, kind of like a Mike Martin, although Martin was quicker and faster. I think we'll see more of a true nose tackle lined up head up on the center under Harbaugh/Durkin, and I'm guessing they want a bigger body there. Plus we're pretty well stocked on the defensive line for this year.
DeleteNo way to know what Hoke and Co. were seeing with this guy, but I'm sure there were plenty of MGoBloggers saying "I trust the coaches!" when he committed.
DeletePallante fit the 90s profile of Michigan NTs - stocky grunts who were there to absorb blocks.
Delete276 is pretty enormous for a FB. If he sticks there it'll be fun to watch.
pretty sure hoke made the call and personally pushed for pallante at DT. guessing he envisioned the second coming of rob renes - shorter, squat wrestler who wins leverage battles and out-techniques opponents. basically a short, tough dude wholl end up diamond in the rough like so many 90s type DTs. but similar to hokes WR recruiting, QB recruiting, RB recruiting, roster management, etc, who really knows what he was thinking or what he saw - the dude forever views 97 michigan as the pinnacle of college football.
Deletebut if any coach can help pallante reach his potential and find solid role at college level its probably harbaugh.
Pallante did have nice film in HS against good competition. I think Hoke was gambling on him being able to gain a bunch of weight, which can be particularly tough for a shorter guy like Pallante. Agree that if Durkin is shifting to more of a straight up NT, Pallante is not the greatest. When Harbaugh missed out on Reagan Williams the last recruiting cycle, it forced him to find an underclassman to plug in at FB. Rooting for him.
DeleteDo you have any thoughts on his long-term abilities at FB? Do you see him moving back to DT before his career is over?
ReplyDeleteI also think to answer DonAZ's question is that he was originally a gray-shirt recruit who wasn't going to get a scholarship initially. When a spot became available he joined the regular recruiting class.
AC1997
Who is the favorite to start at fullback next year? Pallante, Ty Issac, or someone else?
ReplyDeleteHard to know..may be someone else, too. Not sure how Harbaugh will use the position here, but it would be nice if it were as something other than a battering ram, which is all our fullbacks have been for a long time.
Deletehave to assume joe kerridge holds onto most of the FB snaps until someone else elevates their game and becomes the versatile bulldozer harbaugh desires.
Deleteif ben gedeon gets so few snaps again id love to see him step into the role - though not too likely since ive always seen him as one of top 3 LBs on team. harbaughs obviously not afraid to shuffle the deck which is breath of fresh air after watching hoke use aj williams, magnuson, heitzman, etc at TE when the obvious answer was gedeon. chase winovich could be another intersting option since hes pretty athletic and likely buried at both LB and TE
By far the most puzzling offer I saw out of Hoke's staff.
ReplyDeletelazy f'ing recruiting. almost no other major school wanted him.
DeleteI personally love the idea of a 276-lb fullback. Have fun meeting him in the whole.
ReplyDeleteI always wondered what happened to the star of Three O'Clock High. Now I know.
ReplyDelete