Posted on Thu, Oct 29, 2009 : 3:49 p.m.
Michigan's decimated defense
By AnnArbor.com Staff
In theory, the Michigan football team should be relying on players recruited in the 2005 and 2006 recruiting classes heavily right now - they would comprise many of today's juniors and seniors.
In reality, according to a breakdown compiled by mgoblog.com today, the team has zero defensive backs left on the roster from those two classes.
That helps explain why Michigan ranks 10th in the Big Ten in pass defense.
The website offers a full list of defensive recruits no longer with the team, and more in the post.
Comments
michfan3750
Sat, Oct 31, 2009 : 9:07 a.m.
Corners playing 12 yards off a receiver on any down is a recipe for disaster. Any offensive coordinator will lick his chops at a guaranteed 2nd and 3 worst case. Corners (including Warren) just go through the motions on run plays and in the case of long gains watch their opponent zoom by them. Unfortunately, I watched Greg Robinson and his style put the nail in the coffin of an already sick Syracuse team. No discipline nice guys might make it in California, but the mix with Rich Rod will not last.. Certainly not the only problem, but these soft schemes are doomed to failure in the Big 10
truebluefan
Fri, Oct 30, 2009 : 10:05 a.m.
blue50 - I am wondering if you read the article at the link above. Why do people not realize that when you lose almost 60%(!!) of your defensive players to attrition over the past five years, the on-field results may not be very good? Also, there has been no continuity with three D coordinators in the past three years. This falls solely on the coaches. But, it's obvious to me that the LB's and secondary, are lacking good instincts. The D line, IMO, is doing great. But Michigan needs to recruit some bonafide talent at safety, CB and linebacker.
maizenbluenc
Fri, Oct 30, 2009 : 6:10 a.m.
Paratrooper72 -- agreed, it's no news the secondary is a problem. It has been since we lost to USC in the Rose Bowl, and then App State, and then Oregon, and then, and then Fan -- The analysis on MGoBlog really helps lay out why we are where we are. The main points are the high attrition to the 2005 class is not due to the coaching change. Small defensive recruiting class sizes make the problem worse. (The 2006 class was low on DBs. The 2008 was low on defensive talent in general.) Three DC changes have also slowed development. The analysis leaves me thinking we need to continue to be patient (as hard as it is), BUT expect significant progress in the next recruiting class (meaning the bulk of the remaining scholarships should be filled by those SEC and USC-like defensive recruits Do Better wants). Go Blue!
blue50
Thu, Oct 29, 2009 : 8:14 p.m.
Having been a blue fan for over 50 years there is much missing in the current team. What has happened to the fundamentals of tackling. 1st contact person is rarely the first person to complete the tackle. Hey, give me 3 yards on D and I'll probably catch most passes. There appears to be a lack of focus...almost a since of bewilderment at times. As my 3 grown sons & I sat on the 50 yd. line in row 15 last Sat. in the rain I was filled with disappointment. Disappointment in the manner in which we lost; not as much for the loss itself. It is time to put a real Michigan Team on the field. A team filled with The Michigan Tradition. Maybe RR should take his team to The Brown Jug for breakfast. He would see the most dedicated fans in AA and his team would have to be inspired. I do not believe there is a football team in the country more loved by its' fans and alumni. The breakfast crowd gathered in maize & blue ate french toast and sang Hail to the Victors. The team needs to capture the true meaning and tradition of Hail to the Victors. Let them sang it. Let them feel it.
amaizenman
Thu, Oct 29, 2009 : 5:58 p.m.
Well if you go to the full list of defensive recruits, it appears more than just the LC haters are starting to realize what a mess LC left things in for RR. All you RR bashers out there should take time to read the article and you will realize the positive in the whole mess is the 2009 defensive recruits RR was able to get. Hopefully, he will use the 7 or 8 remaining scholarships on the defensive side of the ball.
Fan
Thu, Oct 29, 2009 : 5:30 p.m.
According to Rivals in 2005, Michigan recruited the following active Wolverines: Corner back, Brandon Harris, 4 stars, ranked 16th in the country. In 2006 Michigan recruited Safety Steve Brown, 4 stars, ranked 7th in the country; Safety Jonas Mouton, 4 stars, ranked 3rd in the country. In addition recruited in 2007 were Corner back Donovan Warren, 5 stars, ranked 3rd in the country; Troy Wolfolk, 3 stars, ranked 44th in the country; Michael Williams, 4 stars,ranked 15th in the country. These students come to Mich with great expectations and track records of exceptional athletic performance. Today, by your account, they are considered mediocre talent. What change occurred? Ron English leaving Mich? Is this another Big Ten (Mich) coaching issue or lack of. Where's the accountability?
Do Better
Thu, Oct 29, 2009 : 4:41 p.m.
why can't big ten defensive players look like the players from the sec or usc.
Paratrooper72
Thu, Oct 29, 2009 : 4:36 p.m.
This is news? All you have to do is watch any of the games played so far and it is apparant!
Fresh121
Thu, Oct 29, 2009 : 4:34 p.m.
That article was really good it shows how bad the recruiting was and "evil" RR cant be blamed for it all...thats good information for all true michigan fans good job hopefully we get back on track.people used to wish to come to the UM now were almost just another school..