Utah fullback Sione Houma adds to Michigan football team's 2012 recruiting haul
The Michigan football team has added another player to its acclaimed 2012 recruiting class.
Two-star Utah fullback Sione Houma verbally committed to the Wolverines on Monday evening. He is the 20th member of the class, which is a consensus top 10 group among the major recruiting services.
It is ranked No. 1 by MaxPreps.com and CBS, and No. 2 by Rivals.
Houma’s non-binding commitment is interesting because he is the first true fullback recruit to commit to Michigan since Vince Helmuth, a four-star prospect from Saline High School, in 2007.
The only players currently listed at fullback on Michigan’s roster are senior walk-on John McColgan and freshman walk-on Joe Kerridge.
Sophomore Stephen Hopkins, listed as a running back, saw some time at the position this spring.
“Playing time was a big thing for me,” Houma said by phone Monday after he announced his commitment to Michigan.
Houma said he also had offers from Washington, Utah State and Utah, but liked Michigan’s style of play and the prospects of playing in the Big Ten. The Wolverines first extended him a scholarship offer in May.
He said he was recruited by Hoke and new Michigan defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery, although he was told he would play fullback with the Wolverines.
Former Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez ran a spread-option attack that rarely employed fullbacks (Mark Moundros played the position in 2007-09, before switching to linebacker).
Rodriguez did not sign a single player at that position during his tenure, and Helmuth switched to defensive tackle after Rodriguez’s arrival. He eventually transferred to Miami (Ohio), where he will be a fifth-year senior this season.
Meanwhile, first-year Michigan coach Brady Hoke and offensive coordinator Al Borges have scrapped the spread and are implementing a pro-style scheme that emphasizes a more traditional running game. That means more -- and bigger -- tight ends, linemen and fullbacks.
Houma is 6-foot, 211 pounds and also a sprinter on the track team at Highland High School, which is near Salt Lake City.
He rushed for 1,211 yards and nine touchdowns last year as an A-back in the wishbone offense.
Michigan still is expected to seek at least one wide receiver, one running back and one defensive tackle before it is finished with its 2012 recruiting class.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
Blu n Tpa
Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 11:33 a.m.
As mentioned above, I like how he hits the hole and finishes. Undoubtably he will get bigger and if he can keep most of his speed he will be able to bring the hammer vs LBs and DBs. Remember Force is the combination of Mass (size) times Velocity (speed) to a specific point of impact. Plus in football, you need the FB to get where he is the most useful, otherwise all you would have to do is line up real big guys at FB, which isn't the case. And, this guys makes adjustments to the ball in space and appears to have soft hands catching the ball. All in all, in Hoke I trust. TiM Go Blue!
1st Down
Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 2:44 a.m.
just reading over at a popular michigan football blog that Sione has now been moved up to be ranked the #3 FB in HS... as far as being only a 2 star... apparently FBs get very low rankings for some reason and the couple guys above him are only 3 stars... after watching his tape I love his pad level being naturally low and his running style going forward.....he also seems to possess very very good speed....
1st Down
Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 2:32 a.m.
not too concerned about him being 6 foot... but he needs to put on 30 lbs to be effective as a blocker in the Big Ten... good pickup
towny
Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 1:35 a.m.
6 ft. 211 pounds seems light for big ten football to me. Helmuth was huge and strong around what 260 pounds I saw him play in high school what a monster. I would imagine and hope houma will bulk up.
Terry Star21
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 11:46 p.m.
Watching this kids video, I too am surprised that he is just a two star - watch for that to move up considerably as Kyle has explained. I am not surprised however that he was offered a scholarship, I think after the coaches scouted him he was one of the missing pieces that will make the difference in 2012 and beyond. I am feeling that this 2012 talent waitperson is pouring me a cup of the greatest Java on earth, my cup is overflowing and I'm telling her I'm good - but they continue to pour over the top.......priceless ! MgoBlueForTim.........and keep pouring the talent on our Michigan football team.....
Mick52
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 5:32 p.m.
I have a question Kyle on these rankings. Since these players have another year of high school play, is it possible for a 4 star player to be bumped up to a five star if they have a good season? Or 2 to 3, etc.? If so, could have descend in ranking? If that can happen, then the current rankings could alter over the next year, correct?
Mick52
Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 9:19 p.m.
Ok thanks guys. I always wondered about the accuracy of these rankings due to basic physiology. Young adults grow for years after high school as does athletic ability. During the recent Tour de France, I was kind of surprised the winner has five years on he second place rider, 30 yrs to 25. And of course with football, I think even if your class is chock full of 2 star players could prove very successful based on how they are handled and trained. I am trying to not get too excited about players who will not arrive until next fall and if some might reconsider osu if the NCAA does not whack them as much as expected.
treetowncartel
Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 3:34 a.m.
@ Mick, you rarely see more than 27 or so 5 stars from a site like Rivals, so the ability to move up to a 5 star is pretty limited. If you want to understand the rankings better make Bill King a regular part of your radio listening habits. XM/Sirius channel 91, monday through friday 7 am to 10 am.
Kyle Meinke
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 6:52 p.m.
Mick, you've got it. The rankings will change between now and when these guys set foot in Ann Arbor next year. The rankings seem to change the most before the start of the high school season, after it's over and after various camps and all-star games. Two guys who are the best bets to change star rankings are Kyle Kalis and Erik Magnuson, the offensive linemen. Kalis is Rivals' highest-ranked four star, and they always give out more five-stars as the recruiting cycle advances, so he's essentially assured of becoming a five-star according to them. Scout already has him as a five-star. Magnuson also realistically could make the jump to five-star; he's just not a lock to do so, like Kalis is. Expect some movement -- up and down. It's just hard to predict that movement, except for the two guys above.
81wolverine
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.
This is an interesting and somewhat surprising pick-up for Michigan. I didn't think they were going to use a scholarship this year on a fullback, but the coaches obviously want to incorporate a FB into the offense sooner rather than later. And since we don't have a recruited FB on the roster, it WAS a position of need. Sione will need to put on some weight though to play FB in the Big Ten. But, I welcome Mr. Houma to Michigan!
Kyle Meinke
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 6:58 p.m.
81wolverine, I agree the commitment is surprising for the reasons you've listed, and for one more: He's somewhat undersized for a fullback. He's only 6-foot, 211 pounds, although he's definitely quicker than an average fullback as well. Of course, he could always grow into that frame. Spaces are at a premium in this class, and Michigan hasn't had any trouble attracting top-end recruits to campus, so for the Wolverines to use one of their final spots on a two-star fullback from Utah means they probably saw something in him they really liked. I'm just guessing here, obviously, since coaches can't comment on their recruits until they sign letters of intent in February. But, certainly, the coaching staff thinks he fits well into the new offensive scheme.
Lorain Steelmen
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 3:26 p.m.
81...I was also surprized. Didn't think a scholarship for a FB was that high on the neeeds list. We are at 20 now, and the boat is filling up fast. Be 'smart' coach! Be 'smart'.
Blu n Tpa
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 1:17 p.m.
While I'm not sure who he's playing againist out there, he looks quick through the hole and finishes his runs off with authority. Didn't see a lot of him blocking but I assume Coach Hoke, et al, have that covered so what's not to like. Welcome to THE CLASS. TiM Go Blue!
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 5:52 a.m.
"Former Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez ran a spread-option attack that rarely employed fullbacks..." -- "Rodriguez did not sign a single player at that position during his tenure"-- Seems there are a whole bunch of things that RR "rarely employed" (or did, like win games).
scott
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 6:06 p.m.
Or have 3 medicals within a couple of weeks.....
OldBittyBates
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 3:20 a.m.
I've been watching Sione Houma for a while. He's definitely better than a two star player. The only hard nosed runner I like better is Keith Marshall (But does Michigan really have a shot at him)? Sione will get a fantastic education and his father and mother will be proud of him. What HS fullbacks do you enjoy watching? Which VIP's you like coming to the Michigan BBQ coming up soon? I'd love to see Ondre Pipkins, Dorial Green-Beckham, Danny O'Brien, etc. Can you think of other favorites who might show up?
DonAZ
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 12:30 a.m.
A team that does above average on 3rd and 3 does well overall.