Littleton (CO) Columbine product Andrew Gentry has committed to Michigan as a part of the 2022 class. Gentry signed with Virginia as a part of the 2020 class, but that was more ceremonial than anything, since he was expected to go on his church mission for two years. Gentry did just that, and since he did not enroll, he was essentially back on the open market. Now Gentry will join the Wolverines next spring.
RANKINGS FROM 2020
ESPN: 4-star, 84 grade, #12 OT, #78 overall
Rivals: 4-star, 6.0 grade, #8 OT, #68 overall
247 Sports: 4-star, 94 grade, #11 OT, #147 overall
Hit the jump for more.
Gentry's senior highlights show he had a 4.3 GPA and a 1420 on his SAT, so he's an intelligent kid who should fit in at a place like Michigan (and Virginia). I never really thought he would commit to Michigan out of high school because Michigan just doesn't have much of a history with Mormon players going on missions (I believe the last time they dealt with it was Tyler Ecker, who played from 2003-2006). However, Michigan was heavily involved in his recruitment, and he was actually in attendance for Michigan's blowout win over Notre Dame in 2019.
Gentry's skills and physical development are somewhat of a wild card at this point. Having been on a church mission for two years, how much did he work out? How strong is he? Has he been running, working on footwork, etc.? When he was in high school, he looked a bit like Andrew Stueber - huge and powerful. He's got light feet and can bend at the knees to get under defensive linemen.
Aside from physical shape, the biggest question is how Gentry will work out in pass protection. He certainly has the athleticism to be a plus pass blocker, but playing for a team that was largely run-oriented, he doesn't have much experience with pro-style pass sets, playing with his hand off the ground, etc. Because of the time off, one has to think that Gentry would be at least one year away from playing and not an immediate contributor in 2022.
Michigan now has 21 commitments in the class of 2022, including linemen Connor Jones (also from Colorado) and Alessandro Lorenzetti.
TTB Rating: 85
All else equal, wouldn't two more years of growth and physical maturity be a good thing for an offensive lineman?
ReplyDeleteHe was already 6'8" and 310 lbs., so I don't think he needed to grow. Physical maturity is perhaps a little different, but if you're not working out, I'm not sure how much that matters. Maybe you get a little more coordinated or understand your body a little better. I have no idea what he did in that time away from the sport.
Deleteits an interesting situation. i cant imagine not playing ball or seriously working out from 18-20 then showing up at camp to compete with guys whove been getting after it nonstop. it was hard enough to adjust in college where everyones all state, its on a bigger stage, etc.
Deletethen again a ton of growth and maturity takes place bw 18-20, especially when youre out in the world away from your family and not in a college bubble. and hes certainly a large human with some natural talent. im intrigued to follow gentry's development.
i have to imagine the staff has seen him move and work out at some point recently in order to sign him up after such a long hiatus. or maybe harbaugh just wanted another 6'8' dude named gentry
Pretty exciting to get a big mauling OT who was rated this highly. IIRC correctly his recruiting was curtailed somewhat by his individual circumstances.
ReplyDeleteThe 2 extra years are a significant benefit now IMO. Physical and mental maturity - he should have a leg up on others coming in 2022.
How quickly he contributes is TBD. I wouldn't assume anything immediate.
Even if he's been doing some thing to stay in tip top shape. Most OL redshirt. It'll take time and he'll probably have a full year to get back in football shape. No worries. Mentally, you're going to have more maturity and perspective and that should translate to a productive freshman year off the field. You could worry about transitioning back to doing schoolwork, but seems this young man is academically inclined.
That size though! It'll take 2-3 years to get him back in the saddle, buy if Harbaugh can get the most out of him, this is a big get
ReplyDelete