Name: Raheem Anderson II
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 318 lbs.
High school: Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Position: Center/offensive guard
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #62
Last year: I ranked Anderson #48 and said he would be a backup center/guard (LINK). He played in one game.
TTB Rating: 83
According to Pro Football Focus, Michigan had 54 players take offensive snaps in 2023. Raheem Anderson II was one of those 54.
He also only took one snap.
So being ranked #28 in the countdown is a pretty lofty ranking. He could have a very significant role in 2024. Some reports have him challenging Greg Crippen for the starting center role. I'm skeptical of that take even though I thought Anderson was a superior player to Crippen coming out of high school. Crippen, after all, played 98 snaps in 2023 and the coaches said he could be the best center in the country if not for the presence of Drake Nugent.
I always thought Anderson would be limited to center because of his size, but he is up to a pretty significant weight at 318 pounds and could be the primary backup at center or guard. He might even end up as the starting center. There are a lot of directions he could go. But whether it's a role at center or as a backup interior lineman, he will probably be called upon a few times in crunch situations this year to step in for an injured player. And it's good to have a veteran backup who can be counted on rather than an inexperienced backup on the interior.
Prediction: Backup center/offensive guard
I am going full one positive here: I think this years OL will be better than last years OL. We got the Wisconsin pipeline going on. Seniors leave for the NFL and are replaced by Jrs with 3-4 years in the program. May the paving never end.
ReplyDeletePossible it's better but there was a lot of continuity with Zinter/Keegan being multi-year starters around a very experienced OC. Although there was great depth, talent, and competition at OT there was not a lot of continuity or clarity. With all 5 spots turning over in 2024, I worry the chemistry and consistency won't be there, particularly early in the year.
DeleteBut if Hinton, Crippen, and El Hadi are ready to be step into bigger roles and perform at an elite level, it's possible the other pieces fit in around them.
The OL is in a great place overall, but turning over every spot is always tough in the short term.
Possibly. Last year's Tackles weren't our greatest. My guess is, if you're right we'll see it later in the year
ReplyDeleteI share your skepticism on anyone besides Crippen being the starting OC. Sounds like Moore says Giudice has made a move to pass Anderson? That's unexpected!
ReplyDelete