Michigan Wolverine Football Spring Scrimmage Summary 2005

MICHIGAN FOOTBALL SPRING SCRIMMAGE 2005

Wow, what an absolutely gorgeous day! It was hot for the players, but phenomenal for the fans. You simply can't beat this Michigan weather. The offense was in blue and defense in white. The scrimmage began close to 1:30 p.m. after stretching drills, situation drills continued straight until about 3:18 p.m. The most popular drill was the "Michigan drill." This is where two players line up, and while one blocks, the other attempts to fight off the block to tackle a ball carrier off the left or right side. I counted 9 scenarios with the best effort on defense from Alan Branch fighting off a block by Alex Mitchell to stuff Michael Hart. The first team defense showed some new faces including Dave Harris, Tim Jamison and Brandent Engelmon. The "nickel" back was Charles Stewart. The most disappointing drill of the day was the field goal kickers where five place kickers missed many kicks, I believe they were only 9 or 10 for 20 attempts. The final drill of the day was the two point drill with quarterbacks coach, Scot Loeffler, throwing complete to an open Lloyd Carr in the end zone. Carr hurt his back, but is expected back tomorrow.

Quarterback

Chad Henne looked good at times, but he also made some bad throws and poor decisions. He also had a few fumbled snaps. Lloyd Carr commented on how much stronger he is especially in the hips and legs, and this appears to be true. Matt Gutierrez does have good arm strength, and hopefully will be strong after Summer 7 on 7 drills to compete with Henne. Depth at this position will be a serious problem if Richard doesn't return for Fall.

Henne, Chad

So.

6'2"

225

Starter

4.6

n/a

270

n/a

3.5

Gutierrez, Matt

Jr.

6'4"

232

Backup

4.82

33"

n/a

1070

3.3

Richard, Clayton

So.

6'4"

225

Backup

4.7

n/a

315

1340

Forcier, Jason

n/a

Fr.

6'2.5"

205

Recruit

4.57

33"

n/a

1080

Kastl, Jeff

Jr.

6'3"

223

Walk-on

n/a

Wilde, Matt

Jr.

6'2"

195

Walk-on

n/a

Fullback/H-Back

Since Brian Thompson and Ryan Allison weren't able to participate, Obi Oluigbo has had a chance to be the #1 guy. Lloyd Carr expressed some concerns about his ability as a pass catcher in the interview after the practice so while he may be a decent blocker, he has big shoes to fill with Dudley leaving. I'm a bit concerned about this position because Carr also mentioned that an unnamed player (Allison) may not return for Fall because of nerve damage; we know that he earlier mentioned Allison as having nerve damage in his neck late in the Fall. This may give Criswell and/or Simpson an early opportunity for playing time, but it might also change the scheme of the Michigan offense as well since we may not have a true H-Back. He even mentioned Mike Massey as playing an important role in the Michigan offense with the possible H-Back scheme.

Oluigbo, Obi

FB-H Back

Jr.

6'0"

237

Starter

n/a

Thompson, Brian

FB-H Back

Jr.

6'2"

230

Backup

4.65

n/a

3.4

Allison, Roger

FB-H Back

Fr.

6'1"

233

Redshirt

4.54

32"

400

3.4

Simpson, Mister

n/a

FB-H Back

Fr.

5'10"

195

Recruit

4.55

35.8"

375

n/a

3.5

Criswell, Andre

n/a

FB-H Back

Fr.

6'3"

240

Recruit

n/a

2.9

Van Beek, Eric

FB-H Back

Fr.

6'0"

208

Walk-on

n/a

Tailback

We are in solid shape her. Hart, Martin and Grady can all play at a high level. They can all block, run and catch. Carr said that Grady had an elbow injury towards the end of Spring practice, but he expects him to contribute in the Fall. I don't see Jerome Jackson getting much playing time at all at 4th back, but it is nice to have a solid back available just in case. Bradley didn't dress for the Spring game.

Hart, Mike

So.

5'9"

192

Starter

4.4

n/a

300

1080

3.75

Martin, Max

Fr.

6'1"

215

Backup

4.45

n/a

400

24/1070

2.5

Grady, Kevin

Fr.

5'11"

228

Recruit

4.48

n/a

350

n/a

2.7

Jackson, Jerome

Jr.

5'11"

200

Backup

4.45

n/a

315

n/a

Bradley, Alijah

Jr.

5'6"

170

Walk-on

n/a

Eldridge, Jason

Sr.

5'8"

180

Walk-on

n/a

Hamel, Scott

Sr.

5'10"

207

Walk-on

n/a

Flanker

We are in good shape here with Steve Breaston as one of the truly exciting players in NCAA football, and the emergence of Doug Dutch as backup. What surpised me was that even though Morgan Trent is now the backup short side cornerback, he was still playing flanker on offense during the scrimmage. He is definitely a solid athlete and fast. When Manningham comes in this Summer for 7 on 7 drills, we'll be in excellent shape for Fall with three solid contributors here.

Breaston, Steve

Jr.

6'1"

179

Starter

4.4

n/a

890

3.2

Dutch, Doug

Fr.

5"10"

195

Redshirt

4.3

n/a

330

1000

3.8

Manningham, Mario

n/a

Fr.

6'0"

180

Recruit

4.4

n/a

3.2

Smith, Landon

Jr.

5'8"

167

Walk-on

n/a

Jordan, Tyrone

Fr.

5'10"

186

Walk-on

n/a

Wide Receiver

We all know Jason Avant is a solid player, and he'll start. He didn't need to show his stuff during the scrimmage. What we all know is that even though Jason Avant is a solid player, he's not in the same league as Braylon Edwards. He'll catch 3-5 passes every game and give us solid downfield blocking, but I'm not sure if he'll be a "go to" guy like we've had in the past giving us 10-12 catches when needed a la Braylon, David Terrell, Marquise Walker, etc. On the bright side, it was a pleasant surprise to see Carl Tabb make some nice catches and accelerate the way we've all hoped we'd see. It was unfortunate that he didn't contribute this past Fall with no catches in 2004. Adrian Arrington is awfully slender, especially in the hips and legs. He did a nice job in the Michigan drill blocking. Lloyd Carr mentioned he had a hamstring pull during Spring drills. Keston Cheathem looks like he may contribute, but I'm hoping we don't need one of the freshman, Bass, Manningham or Savoy, to step up too quickly; otherwise, we'll be in trouble in the 4th quarter with the game on the line. I'm holding my breath here.

Avant, Jason	8	WR	1	Sr.	6'1"	210	Starter	4.4	39"	300	17	2.9
Tabb, Carl	17	WR	2	Jr.	6'2"	192	Backup	4.3	42"	245	24	3.8
Arrington, Adrian	16	WR	3	So.	6'3"	184	Backup	4.46	n/a	225	n/a	3.43
Cheathem, Keston	33	WR	4	Fr.	6'1"	181	Redshirt	4.55	n/a	n/a	820	3.2
Bass, Antonio	n/a	WR	5	Fr.	6'1"	190	Recruit	4.4	n/a	355	21	3
Savoy, Laterryal	82	WR	5	Fr.	6'2"	195	Recruit	4.59	37"	300	15	2.8
Matsos, Chris	80	WR	7	Sr.	6'0"	219	Walk-on	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Cischke, Brad	45	WR	8	Sr.	6'4"	201	Walk-on	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
Wright, Ben	18	WR	9	So.	5'8"	182	Walk-on	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

Tight End

I think we have three good players here: Tim Massaquoi, Tyler Ecker and Mike Massey. We'll get good blocking and solid pass catching from these athletes and at this position. Kevin Murphy did not participate in Spring drills. Carson Butler will probably redshirt unless injuries occur at this position.

Massaquoi, Tim	88	TE	1	Sr.	6'4"	248	Starter	4.5	38"	255	810	2.5
Ecker, Tyler	89	TE	2	Jr.	6'6"	247	Backup	4.52	n/a	270	21	3.5
Massey, Mike	85	TE	3	Fr.	6'3"	232	Redshirt	4.7	n/a	285	980	2.5
Murphy, Kevin	84	TE	4	Jr.	6'5"	255	Backup	4.65	n/a	375	n/a	3.1
Butler, Carson	n/a	TE	5	Fr.	6'6"	235	Recruit	4.6	n/a	n/a	n/a	2.9

Center

Even though it is apparent that Ruben Riley is the new starter here, he played a lot of left tackle during the two minute drills while Mark Bihl was snapping the ball. I doubt if Bihl will be a factor here in the Fall. I think Riley and Kraus will see the most playing time although Kraus didn't participate in Spring drills. Henige or Stenavich could also move over if needed.

2005 MICHIGAN Football Player	#	Position	Depth	Class	Height	Weight	Status	40 yd. Dash	Vertical Jump	Bench Press Max.	ACT-composite or SAT I-total	GPA
Riley, Rueben	72	C	1	Jr.	6'3"	304	Starter	4.95	32"	455	19	3.55
Kraus, Adam	83	C	2	So.	6'6"	311	Backup	4.9	29"	300	25	2.7
Ciulla, Jeremy	70	C	3	Fr.	6'4"	305	Redshirt	5	n/a	325	1100	3.6
Bihl, Mark	54	C	4	Jr.	6'4"	297	Backup	4.84	36"	340	19	3.7
McAvoy, Tim	n/a	C	5	Fr.	6'6"	260	Recruit	4.8	n/a	n/a	24	3.3
Moosman, David	n/a	C	5	Fr.	6'3"	260	Recruit	5.3	n/a	360	27	2.9

Right Guard

Matt Lentz is the incumbent here beginning his third year as starter. It looks like Ciulla is backing him up, but Henige could move over as first backup as he's done the past two years until injured.

Lentz, Matt	67	RG	1	Sr.	6'6"	305	Starter	5.2	n/a	375	n/a	n/a
Ciulla, Jeremy	70	RG	2	Fr.	6'4"	305	Redshirt	5	n/a	325	1100	3.6
Schifano, Justin	n/a	RG	2	Fr.	6'4"	295	Recruit	5.07	n/a	400	1220	3.5
Lyall, Patrick	60	RG	3	Fr.	6'0"	289	Walk-on	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

Right Tackle

Jake Long didn't dress, but we all know the Frosh All-American will be back and have a solid year. Perhaps I wasn't watching enough, but I didn't see much of Brett Gallimore working in the drills. We all know that if Kolodziej doesn't start at left tackle, he'll start here. Stenavich played some at Right Tackle as he did last Fall when we needed him to.

Long, Jake	77	RT	1	So.	6'7"	338	Starter	5	n/a	380	n/a	2.9
Gallimore, Brett	74	RT	2	Fr.	6'4"	302	Redshirt	5.1	24"	350	n/a	2.7
Zirbel, Cory	n/a	RT	3	Fr.	6'6"	290	Recruit	5.1	n/a	365	19	3.1

Left Guard

I think when it's all said and done, Stenavich will move from Left Tackle to Left Guard so Kolodziej may start. It will be Stenavich over Henige in my opinion. Henige looked good in the Spring drills. His knee looks healed enough to be a significant contributor in our offensive line. In watching the linemen, DeBenedictis looks a little slow and he's not nearly as strong as some of the others.

Stenavich, Adam

Sr.

6'5"

317

Starter

n/a

320

3.9

Henige, Leo

Sr.

6'4"

339

Backup

5.2

n/a

375

n/a

DeBenedictis, Grant

Fr.

6'5"

308

Redshirt

4.93

n/a

330

31/1370

3.75

Schoonover, Dave

Sr.

6'3"

297

Walk-on

n/a

Saigh, Jon

Fr.

6'5"

287

Walk-on

n/a

Left Tackle

Kolodziej is huge and very well built; he is an athlete and it will be hard to keep him off the field another year. I think Mitchell looks like a solid player as well, and he'll contribute at tackle, guard or even center. Carr discussed that they moved him over to center at times, and that he has really worked hard to keep his weight under control while gaining strength and improving overall conditioning.

Kolodziej, Mike	76	LT	1	Jr.	6'7"	328	Starter	4.95	n/a	320	20	3.7
Mitchell, Alex	73	LT	2	Fr.	6'5"	319	Redshirt	5.1	24"	405	21	3.4
Ortmann, Mark	n/a	LT	3	Fr.	6'6"	270	Recruit	5.06	n/a	350	1130	3.9

Offensive Line

Left Tackle	Left Guard	Center	Right Guard	Right Tackle
Kolodziej	Stenavich	Riley	Lentz	Long
Stenavich	Henige	Kraus	Henige	Stenavich
Mitchell	Mitchell/Kraus	Henige	Mitchell/Kraus	Kolodziej
Riley/Bihl	DeBenedictis	Bihl/Ciulla	Ciulla	Gallimore

Overall Offense

We should be pretty solid. I think we'll be difficult to stop, and most defenses will have a challenge to keep us under 200 yards per game rushing with Hart, Martin and Grady running behind an offensive line that is athletic, quick, fast and strong as this one averaging close to 320 lbs. per man. We'll use more receiver including the tight ends and Breaston more. Don't expect the "alley oop" over the defensive back in the end zone! We'll need to be more creative in the red zone as was evident when our two minute drill failed with a pick. Chad Henne won't have the great receiver making him look good every game so he'll have to adjust and raise his level to outwit the defense. I think this offense is capable of scoring 30 points a game as we did last year, but we'll definitely need work on our red zone offense. We know the screens to Hart and reverses to Breaston are there when we're in the right game situation to make them work. Our ability to run the ball will be the difference this year; I simply don't see teams stopping our running game.

Defensive End-Weak Side

Pierre Woods looks good, and hopefully he'll be able to stay away from the injuries that have slowed him down. Tim Jamison played quite a bit of the scrimmage with the first team, and he may unseat Woods as the starter. Although no annoucement has been made yet on Germany, if he's available, he could also be a factor here.

Jamison, Tim	90	DE-weak	1	Fr.	6'3"	250	Redshirt	4.7	n/a	300	n/a	2.6
Woods, Pierre	99	DE-weak	2	Sr.	6'5"	247	Backup	4.68	30"	225	n/a	n/a
Germany, Eugene	n/a	DE-weak	3	Fr.	6'4"	250	Recruit	4.65	n/a	n/a	940	2.4

Defensive End-Strong Side

Lamar Woodley will be first team All-Big Ten and probable All-American candidate. He is simply awesome and will be a force that can contribute to turning a game around. Look for him to have a "huge" season. Van Alstyne didn't dress, but if he's able to return at full speed, he'll give us solid pass rushing ability. Will Paul may also see playing time here, but Woodley doesn't sit much so my prediction is that Woodley and Van Alstyne will log most of the playing time. I'd expect our defensive ends to contribute significantly in the sack area this season along with tipped passes.

Woodley, Lamarr	56	DE-strong	1	Jr.	6'2"	268	Starter	4.5	29"	325	16	2.8
Van Alstyne, Jeremy	50	DE-strong	2	Jr.	6'4"	262	Backup	4.78	n/a	350	1050	3.5
Paul, Will	92	DE-strong	3	So.	6'3"	264	Backup	4.6	n/a	340	20	3.3
McKinney, James	n/a	DE-strong	4	Fr.	6'1.5"	274	Recruit	4.94	24.5"	n/a	17	2.7
Sarantos, Paul	66	DE-strong	5	Jr.	6'3"	261	Walk-on	4.57	n/a	300	33/1470	3.8

Defensive Tackle-Nose Guard

Gabe Watson is still a monster, quick and dominating every center in his way. He will surely be a first team All Big Ten and possible All-American candidate, and a definite top NFL draft choice in 2006. While Marques Walton looked good as his backup, I'd expect Marques Slocum and Terry Taylor to vie for immediate playing time as freshman in the Fall. Slocum has yet to qualify, but he and Taylor already have the strength and quickness to participate in NCAA-Division I football.

Watson, Gabe	78	NG	1	Sr.	6'4"	331	Starter	4.9	25"	435	17	3.3
Walton, Marques	95	NG	2	Fr.	6'0"	280	Redshirt	4.9	30"	405	25	2.5
Slocum, Marques	n/a	NG	3	Fr.	6'6"	330	Recruit	5.09	n/a	335	n/a	n/a
Taylor, Terry	n/a	NG	4	Fr.	6'1"	285	Recruit	4.9	n/a	550	20	2.8

Defensive Tackle-Weak Side

Pat Massey will be the starter for the third year, and he'll be solid. I predict that he'll start against Notre Dame, but I'll also predict that Alan Branch will unseat him as the starter by the Ohio State game. Branch is a huge force, and has athletic skills far beyond any defensive tackle at Michigan since All-Pro Tom Keating in the 1960s. Rondell Biggs was playing tackle rather than end. He is quick and athletic, but not nearly as big, strong and athletic as Branch. One of the disappointments of the spring scrimmage was noticing that Will Johnson was hobbling on a bad knee, and he began the drills, but had to stop due to the knee problem.

Massey, Pat

Sr.

6'8"

284

Starter

4.7

36"

300

n/a

Branch, Alan

So.

6'6"

323

Backup

n/a

355

n/a

Biggs, Rondell

Jr.

6'2"

278

Backup

4.7

n/a

330

n/a

Johnson, Will

Fr.

6'4"

287

Redshirt

4.7

28"

425

3.8

Hull, David

So.

6'1"

261

Walk-on

n/a

ILB-SAM

Prescott Burgess is going to be one of the better linebackers to play at Michigan. He is an incredible athlete. He'll definitely give us mobility, great coverage underneath and blitz capabilities. He'll definitely be playing someday on Sundays for some NFL team. Crable gives us a solid backup player, he is very quick and fast. I don't think he has the leg or hip strength to ward off blockers though in the run schemes. I'm not sure he'll be the player we had all hoped for; I expected him to be a three year starter for sure. Chris McLaurin is an unknown because he may be expected to contribute early if we have linebacking injuries; he could redshirt or be thrust into action early.

Burgess, Prescott	6	OLB-SAM	1	Jr.	6'3"	236	Starter	4.55	n/a	n/a	17	2.9
Crable, Shawn	2	OLB-SAM	2	So.	6'5"	247	Backup	4.5	n/a	345	n/a	2.8
McLaurin, Chris	n/a	OLB-SAM	3	Fr.	6'4"	222	Recruit	4.6	29"	n/a	n/a	3.6

ILB-MIKE

David Harris worked with the first unit while Scott McClintock was with the second unit until he was injured; then, John Thompson came in and had a pick during the drills. Thompson is pretty athletic and could play either MIKE or WILL; I would have to say I was pleasantly surprised by his athleticism. He covered well, had a tipped pass and a pick. We are thin at this position, and if we have more injuries, we could really be in trouble here. Both Harris and Graham offer a great opportunity on the blitz package for sacks, and disruption of offensive plays.

Harris, Dave	45	ILB-MIKE	1	Jr.	6'2"	246	Starter	4.65	n/a	355	20	2.4
McClintock, Scott	36	ILB-MIKE	1	Sr.	6'2"	246	Backup	4.55	32"	345	960	2.8
Thompson, John	43	ILB-MIKE	3	Fr.	6'0"	229	Redshirt	4.55	n/a	410	17	3.2
Moore, Dan	28	ILB-MIKE	4	Jr.	6'0"	226	Walk-on	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

ILB-WILL

Chris Graham looked simply outstanding. He is "cat-quick" and as fast as any linebacker I've seen at Michigan. Unfortunately, since the defense couldn't tackle, I'm still suspect about his tackling ability. He looks like the type of linebacker that will get to the ball, and possibly overrun the play because of his speed and quickness (not to mention the lack of experience). His backup, Jacob Stewart, didn't dress or participate in the drills so I'm really concerned about the depth at inside linebacker over a tough twelve game season. We could really be in trouble if one of these players in unavailable due to injury or whatever.

Graham, Chris

ILB-WILL

So.

5'11"

225

Starter

4.4

31"

360

600

2.1

Stewart, Jacob

ILB-WILL

Sr.

6'0"

225

Backup

4.46

n/a

305

n/a

3.1

Logan, Brandon

n/a

ILB-WILL

Fr.

6'0"

210

Recruit

4.5

26"

325

2.5

Pollack, Max

ILB-WILL

Jr.

6'1"

223

Walk-on

n/a

Cartwright, Chip

ILB-WILL

Sr.

6'1"

232

Walk-on

n/a

Cornerback-Wide Side

Leon Hall is outstanding and had a couple picks in the drills. I'm not sure if he'll be as good as Marlin Jackson and achieve 1st team All Big Ten and/or All American, but I'd be willing vote or bet he will and that includes playing in the NFL someday. I think we have an oustanding defensive backs coach in Ron English, and he is developing players like Hall well. We have found a solid backup in Charles Stewart, he'll be our 5th back in for "nickel" situations. He is a good athlete, and only lacks experience. In the one on one drill, he tripped, but a wide open Adrian Arrington was overthrown.There is a possibility that incoming frosh, Brandon Harrison and Johnny Sears, could also contribute. We'll have to wait and see how the Summer 7 on 7 drills go.

Hall, Leon	29	WCB	1	Jr.	5'11"	191	Starter	4.42	33"	n/a	960	3.2
Stewart, Charles	5	WCB	2	Fr.	6'1"	194	Redshirt	4.45	28"	310	21	3.5
Harrison, Brandon	n/a	WCB	3	Fr.	5'8.5"	190	Recruit	4.25	37.3"	330	17	3
Sears, Johnny	n/a	WCB	3	Fr.	6'2"	175	Recruit	4.4	34"	n/a	n/a	n/a

Cornerback-Short Side

It looks like Grant Mason will be the starter with Morgan Trent backing him up and logging playing time in the six-back schemes. Darnell Hood also played some, but was not as impressive as Trent or Stewart. Walk-on B.J. Opong-Owusu must have quit since he wasn't on the Spring roster, but was on the published roster that was updated in March. Grant Mason looks good at times, but he also looks like Markus Curry at times in getting burnt. I think Trent is athletic enough to become the starter, and Stewart did play both short side as well as wide side in the drills. Time will tell.

Mason, Grant

SCB

Sr.

6'0"

196

Starter

4.5

n/a

Trent, Morgan

SCB

Fr.

6'0"

185

Redshirt

4.4

35"

n/a

3.5

Hood, Darnell

SCB

Jr.

5'11"

190

Backup

4.35

33"

305

n/a

2.5

Richards, Chris

n/a

SCB

Fr.

6'0"

155

Recruit

4.44

36"

220

1050

3.3

Edwards, Shakir

SCB

Fr.

6'0"

207

Walk-on

n/a

Plummer, Kyle

SCB

Jr.

5'10"

167

Walk-on

n/a

Logan, James

SCB

Fr.

5'10"

179

Walk-on

n/a

Strong Safety

I was a bit surprised to see Brandent Engelmon working with the first unit, and Jamar Adams with the second. Engelmon looked solid, but he is no Ernest Shazor so we'll definitely be weaker at this position in the Fall. One guy I was hoping to see more of was Anton Campbell, and I didn't see much of him at all; he wasn't working with the first three defensive units. I was sitting at the South end while the defense was warming up and practicing mostly at the North end so possibly I missed him, but it doesn't look like he'll contribute unless on special teams.

Englemon, Brandent	31	SS	1	So.	5'11"	199	Starter	4.5	n/a	260	20	4.9
Adams, Jamar	22	SS	2	So.	6'2"	207	Backup	4.45	33"	315	940	3
Campbell, Anton	9	SS	3	So.	5'11"	191	Backup	4.45	36"	330	18	2.8
Carl, Mike	26	SS	4	Jr.	6'0"	204	Walk-on	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a

Free Safety

Ryan Mundy is the incumbent starter, and nobody is going to unseat him. Willis Barringer is his backup. Both are good, but neither impressed me all that much in the drills. I think we'll still be a target of teams with the deep passes and "bombs." All of our safeties appear to be capable and adequate in run support, but they all have a lot to prove in pass coverage. It would not surprise me to see Frosh Laterryal Savoy work here on defense first because the word is that his abilities are better suited for defense although he is also an outstanding receiver.

Mundy, Ryan	26	FS	1	Jr.	6'1"	204	Starter	4.37	37"	290	830	2.7
Barringer, Willis	19	FS	2	Jr.	6'0"	202	Backup	4.37	n/a	300	19	2.9

Overall Defense

I'm confident that we'll be better going to the 4-3 scheme, and we'll definitely have a better defensive line that will put more pressure on quarterbacks and create more sacks that the meager 21 in 2004. I'm the most worried about our depth at linebacker in a long twelve game season, and I think teams will be spreading the field in an effort to test our linebackers and wear out our defensive linemen. Teams will also test our secondary with deep passes early in the game until we prove we are capable of stopping this threat. I think overall we'll be an improved defense that won't allow teams like Ohio State to score 37, Texas 38, MSU 38 and Notre Dame 28; however, I do think we'll be susceptible to the big play and teams will be looking at films very carefully to exploit our weaknesses. Steve Stripling is really going to help us develop a solid defensive line. Hopefully, Jim Hermann and Sam Sword can develop the linebackers, and Ron English will definitely improve the secondary. It will be difficult replacing two All-Americans in the secondary though. October 1st at Michigan State, October 22nd at Iowa and November 19 at home against Ohio State will give us our toughest tests defensively.

Snapper

It looks like a battle between two walk-ons, Sean Griffin and Turner Booth unless Pat Sharrow returns in the Fall to win the position.

Booth, Turner

Snapper

Jr.

6'2"

255

Starter

n/a

Sharrow, Pat

Snapper

So.

6'4"

301

Backup

4.9

n/a

390

3.6

Griffin, Sean

Snapper

So.

6'3"

242

Walk-on

n/a

Punter

We got some decent punts from our two walk-ons, Mark Spencer and Ross Ryan, but incoming freshman, Zoltan Mesko, is supposed to give us more hang time and distance to help our flyers to cover.

Mesko, Zoltan

n/a

Fr.

6'4"

230

Recruit

4.8

n/a

1200

3.9

Spencer, Mark

Jr.

6'0"

223

Walk-on

n/a

Ross, Ryan

Jr.

6'0"

206

Walk-on

n/a

Placekicker-Field Goals/Extra Points

This was by far the biggest disappointment of the day with five kickers making only 9 or 10 of 20 kicks. We know Rivas is a solid placekicker, but the other walk-ons weren't impressive. Rivas was 2 of 4, Moore was 2 of 4, Bloomsburg was either 2 or 3 of 4 (I think 3 of 4), Lopata was 2 of 4 and Gingell missed all four kicks badly. These were short kicks, 30-35 yarders from both angles and the middle and not 40-50 yard attempts.

Rivas, Garrett

Jr.

5'9"

216

Starter

4.8

n/a

250

1120

3.3

Moore, Craig

Jr.

5'10"

181

Walk-on

n/a

Bloomsburg, James

Sr.

5'10"

194

Walk-on

n/a

Lopatka, K.C.

Fr.

6'2"

190

Walk-on

n/a

Gingell, Jason

Fr.

5'9"

180

Walk-on

n/a

Kickoffs

We were really weak here. Rivas doesn't have near the leg that Nienberg has. His longest went to the 8 and most kickoffs were at the 10 or 12. I don't know if Mesko can also kickoff, but are there any more walk-ons available???

Punt Returns

Not too much will change here. Breaston will be our deep guy and go down as the greatest punt returner in Michigan football history before he graduates. He is also dangerous to fumble. Leon Hall will back him up as will Grant Mason and Morgan Trent

Kickoff Returns

Our two deep was Breaston and Mason with Oluigbo and Max Martin close. Our next two were Carl Tabb and Doug Dutch as backups for Breaston and Mason. The third group was Morgan Trent and Kevin Grady.

Overall Special Teams

I would have to say that I'm worried about our special teams because we have been pathetic with our flyers covering punts for several years now, and I'm not sure if Mike DeBoard has the answers. In the meantime, opponents like Iowa continue to excel in this area. It can change momentum in close games. Our kickoffs look weak. Our punt returns should be strong with Breaston, but our kickoff return team has been "hot and cold." Breaston and Mason could give us a great kickoff return threat though. I'd like to see more pressure on punt blocking as we did about three or four years ago. I guess its easier said than done. I'm confident Rivas will be solid in extra points and field goals, but Mesko will be a question mark until he proves himself. Nothing could be worse than for a true freshman's confidence than to get a punt blocked early in the year.

Spring Scrimmage 2004

Spring Scrimmage 2003-cancelled due to turf/weather

Spring Scrimmage 2002

Spring Scrimmage 2001

Spring Scrimmage 2000

Some other views of the Spring Scrimmage:

Big Ten Football Spring Game/Scrimmage Schedule

Ann Arbor News/MLive(Heuser)

Audio Clips from Lloyd Carr and players

Detroit News(Chengelis)

Toledo Blade(Emmons)

MichiganManPhil's Spring Scrimmage Pictures

13 more photos from MLive

More pics from MGoBlue.com

MSU's Spring Scrimmage

Indiana

Minnesota

Wisconsin

Big Ten Football Prospectus 2005