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| Grant Newsome |
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 280 lbs.
High school: Trenton (NJ) Lawrenceville School
Position: Offensive tackle
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Last year: Newsome committed to Michigan in June 2014 (LINK).
TTB Rating: 84
Newsome was perhaps the crown jewel of Michigan's 2015 recruiting class, as the Wolverines beat out the likes of Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, and Wisconsin for his services. Initially from Virginia, he went to boarding school in New Jersey. When I wrote the scouting report on him, I was impressed with his length and athleticism. He looks like a prototypical left tackle prospect, and while he still requires some molding, he has a chance to be a multi-year starter at the position.
That stretch as a starter won't begin just yet, however. At 6'7" and 280 lbs., he has a long frame without the bulk to match. Michigan has a returning starter on the left side in the form of sophomore Mason Cole, and there are a couple more developed prospects who would probably slide in if an injury occurred. The coaching staff will probably work him on both the left and right sides, and perhaps Cole's long-term future is on the inside; a slot for Newsome might open up after a couple of Michigan's interior guys graduate, allowing Cole to slide inside. Regardless, Newsome will probably redshirt this year while he hones his technique and gains some necessary strength.
Prediction: Redshirt
Still think Newsome has an outside chance to burn his redshirt. They just have nothing behind Cole at LT in my opinion. Maybe Mags could handle it in a pinch, but not sure because the coaches have yet to try him there. Tuley Tillman is not an answer. Also think Cole could move to C in '16 after Glasgow departs, so that would be another reason to put Newsome on the fast track.
ReplyDeleteI'm with PS on him having an outside chance of playing. Our OL still has depth issues and the backups aren't much older or more proven than Newsome. Mason Cole type players are rare, but not unheard of (obviously). These coaches won't be afraid to put the best player for their system on the field and that might include Newsome if he's added enough weight by August.
ReplyDeleteRed-shirt is obviously most likely here, but if Cole was to get hurt and maybe one other OLmen, Newsome may get the call-up. Because of that I'd put him higher than some of the other guys who are less likely to ever take a meaningful snap.