2007 Offensive Line Roster, Outlook and 2008 Recruiting:
77 Jake Long, OT, 5th year Senior, 2003 recruiting class, probable starter
71 Mark Ortmann, OT, Red-shirt Sophomore, 2005 recruiting class, possible starter
52 Steve Schilling, OT, Red-shirt Freshman, 2006 recruiting class, possible starter
75 Cory Zirbel, OT, Red-shirt Sophomore, 2005 recruiting class
79 Perry Dorrestein, OT, Red-shirt Freshman, 2006 recruiting class
74 Brett Gallimore, OT, Red-shirt Junior, 2004 recruiting class
Mark Huyge, OT, Freshman, 2007 recruiting class
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
65 Justin Boren, OG, Sophomore, 2006 recruiting class, probable starter
73 Alex Mitchell, OG, Red-shirt Junior, 2004 recruiting class, probable starter
78 Justin Schifano, OG, Red-shirt Sophomore, 2005 recruiting class
70 Jeremy Ciulla, OG, Red-shirt Junior, 2004 recruiting class
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
57 Adam Kraus, OC, 5th year Senior, 2003 recruiting class, probable starter
62 Tim McAvoy, OC, Red-shirt Sophomore, 2005 recruiting class
60 David Moosman, OC, Red-shirt Sophomore, 2005 recruiting class
Dave Molk OC, Freshman, 2007 recruiting class
62 Grant DeBenedictis, OC, Red-shirt Junior, 2004 recruiting class
Commentary:
There is plenty of depth in the interior line, but a lack of quality depth at the tackle spots for the future. These interior guys can play all three spots (center and both guard spots) depending on depth and who is in the line up. Some of the same questions asked about the 2006 season's offensive line will be ask again in the spring -- mainly, will everybody be 100% healthy and who will be back in the fall?
Jake Long is the obvious starter at left tackle, but all the rest of the positions are up for grabs. A lot depends on the right tackle spot for the other positions. If Mark Ortmann or Steve Schilling can’t take the RT spot then the U-M staff has to decide whether or not move Alex Mitchell there and then try Adam Kraus and Justin Boren at the guards spot while playing either Tim McAvoy or David Mossman at center (or Fr. Molk?). Most of this might be worked out in the spring, but might have to go into the fall practice to find out for sure. Obviously with guys like Cory Zirbel, Justin Schifano and Jeremy Ciulla there is depth. Dave Molk and Mark Huyge will likely red-shirt like most coming to Michigan -- but don't ever count out Molk.
2008 Offensive Line Recruiting:
After this coming 2007 season Michigan loses Jake Long and Adam Kraus to graduation.
Losing two starters really should help bring in the “elite” players, especially with Jake Long probably getting drafted very high in the NFL and Kraus will probably get drafted as well.
Getting an “elite” tackle is likely a priority this year with Long leaving and the potential of early playing time available depending on such guys as Schilling and Ortmann. GBW's list is just getting put together with players being added during this early recruiting class of 2008.
2008 Offensive Line early possibilities:
J.B. Shugarts (6-7, 300) from Klein, Texas. The top 2008 OT in the country? He attended the 2006 U-M camp and will return in 2007 with his dad who will work the camp. U-M has offered. Friends with Ryan Mallett (roomed together at the 2006 U-M Camp) and Sam McGuffie. His dad was also the OL coach at the 2007 Army Junior Combine.
Dann O'Neill (6-7, 285) from Grand Haven, Michigan. He received a Signing Day U-M offer and, according to his dad, "has a little Blue in him."
Khaled Holmes (6-6, 290) from Santa Ana, California (Mater Dei). The son of former Wolverine Mike Holmes, if Khaled leaves California it will likely be to Michigan. No U-M offer yet.
Bryce Givens (6-5, 260) from Denver , Colorado (Mullen). Teammate of U-M signee Steve Watson. Givens he looked good at the U.S. Army Combine, but at 6-5+ and only 260-270 he has to get bigger.
Graham Pocic (6-6, 190) from Lemont, Illinois (Dave Molk's school). Pocic had a good performance at the Army Junior Combine, but is a little under the very-top-most OT prospects.
The following three are all top-top guys, but may be leaning elsewhere besides Michigan.
Mike Adams OT (6-7, 300) from Dublin, Ohio (Coffman). He is considered a Top 100 junior and his performance at the Army Junior Combine did nothing to dispel that. The huge OT attended a U-M game last fall and is also attending U-M's Junior Day on Feb. 17, but he is considered a mortal lock to OSU.
Zebrie Sanders OT (6-6, 280) from Clayton, Ohio (Northmont). The most athletic of the Army Combine linemen, he attended the first two U-M home games last fall. Reportedly has a U-M offer. He is from the South and may go back there to play his college ball.
Michael Brewster OL (6-4, 290) from Orlando, Florida (Edgewater). The former teammate of Wolverine wideout Greg Mathews attended the U-M Camp for a day last summer, but is considered an OSU lean, with Fla. right there as well. Reportedly has a U-M offer.
For other "Class by Class, Position by Position" articles, click below:
Class by Class, Position by Position: Cornerbacks
Class by Class, Position by Position: Overview
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