Michigan cornerback J.T. Turner still on track to redshirt
Freshman cornerback J.T. Turner was credited with a tackle on a goal-line stop of Kirk Cousins in the first quarter of Michigan's 26-20 overtime loss to Michigan State Saturday. Only problem is, Turner wasn't on the field.
MSU corrected the official boxscore Sunday to show Jonas Mouton in on the tackle, and Turner, the No. 2-rated player in Michigan's 2009 recruiting class according to Rivals.com, remains eligible to redshirt.
The 6-foot-2 cornerback has not played in Michigan's first five games this year after missing the start of fall camp waiting for the NCAA Clearinghouse to certify his eligibility."He's progressing well for a true freshman," Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said at his press conference Monday. "Again, we've not had much time with him other than camp. When games get here, it's so hectic to get ready for a gameplan, it's hard to get those freshmen as ready as you can. But from what we've seen in practice, a little bit in games, he's going to be really good."
Redshirt freshman J.T. Floyd was listed first at right cornerback on Michigan's official depth chart Monday, ahead of Boubacar Cissoko, with an "or" between their names.
Floyd made his first career start opposite Donovan Warren against MSU. Cissoko started the first four games.
Dave Birkett covers University of Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at 734-623-2552 or by e-mail at davidbirkett@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
Comments
OSUbeBetter
Wed, Oct 7, 2009 : 3:29 a.m.
".....I would think we would be adapted to defending those broken plays, because our D sees that every day with Denard and Tate....." Maybe Tate and Denard arent really all that good? Maybe they just look good against Scrub teams like Western and their own D?
81wolverine
Tue, Oct 6, 2009 : 10:05 a.m.
It's too bad if he has to redshirt, as Michigan can certainly use a talented CB. But, if he's not ready, he's not ready. Still, it will be nice to have a taller, more physical CB like him when he is ready to play. If he's as good as his press-clippings from high school, Michigan's defense will be better when he does crack the lineup.
kingky
Tue, Oct 6, 2009 : 9:58 a.m.
Its pretty frustrating that we brought Gerg Robinson here to combat the spread offenses with mobile qb's, yet Kirk Cousins ran all over the field on us this past weekend. I would think we would be adapted to defending those broken plays, because our D sees that every day with Denard and Tate. Im not sure if we just need more speed at LB or what. I mean I thought thats why RR moved a lot of guys who were slotted at safety under Lloyd, to LB. Guys like Brandin Hawthorn, and Brandon Smith. We have to get guys out there who want to fly around and hit someone, and can do it quickly. On the fourth quarter run by cousins, Mouton took one of the worst angles Ive ever seen. Maybe we have to get even faster than Mouton at those positions. For a guy who claims there is always competition going on at every position, all the time, seems to be entrenched in a certain line up. Im a big believer in taking a risk and throwing a young guy out there and letting him prove himself. Im not saying use up a bunch of redshirts, but a guy like JT Turner, or Branden Smith, or even big Will, should be given more of an opportunity. I really think we need some more speed and playmakers at the LB/DE positions, maybe even safety. The other side of the coin is that as far as us getting better, it not only falls on the players back, but also the coaches. RR has to get better at in game decisions when on the road. He has to put our young players in better positions to succeed. That means in a 3rd and 20 on your own 8, not dropping a freshman qb back to pass, run a draw, get some of it back and punt.....and actually punt, with one of the best punters in the country. RR cannot go in to each game with the exact same gameplan as the previous. He has to do a better job of feeling the game out, the environment, the situation, whos at qb...on and on. I know hes not a conservative type of guy, but its obvious that we are not at the Pat White/Steve Slaton level yet, and we need to play a bit more field position, especially with a new defense/Dco
michboy40
Tue, Oct 6, 2009 : 8:36 a.m.
If this kid is as good as advertised, I don't understand why we don't use him. What if he goes to the league after his redshirt sophamore year?...then we have wasted his talent. What about his redshirt Junior year?...will he go after that? He can't be that good if he's not playing, because RR seems willing to play the best guy period. Maybe he is learning the system and will be playing later this year. We desperatly need a corner that can play bump and run!