2007 Defensive Line Roster, Outlook and 2008 Recruiting:
67 Terrance Taylor, DT, Junior, 2005 recruiting class, probable starter
97 Will Johnson, DT, Red-shirt Junior, 2004 recruiting class, possible starter
44 James McKinney, DT, Red-shirt Sophomore, 2005 recruiting class, possible starter
93 Jason Kates, DT, Red-shirt Freshman, 2006 recruiting class
94 John Ferrara, DT, Red-shirt Freshman, 2006 recruiting class
Marques Slocum DT, Red-shirt Freshman, 2006 recruiting class
Renaldo Sagesse DT, Freshman, 2007 recruiting class
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
90 Tim Jamison, DE, Red-shirt Junior, 2004 recruiting class, probable starter
55 Brandon Graham, DE, Sophomore, 2006 recruiting class
96 Eugene Germany, DE, Red-shirt Sophomore, 2005 recruiting class
99 Adam Patterson, DE, Sophomore, 2006 recruiting class
92 Greg Banks, DE, Red-shirt Freshman, 2006 recruiting class
Ryan VanBergen DE, Freshman, 2007 recruiting class
There is plenty of depth at both DT and DE positions ... but the spring will givr a better idea what quality of depth Michigan will have in the fall.
Terrance Taylor is the one obvious starter at the defensive tackle. Will Johnson will have first crack in the spring at the other spot with James McKinney pushing him hard for playing time. Since the defensive tackles rotate so much it’s not a huge factor to be the starting guy. Jason Kates and John Ferrara will battle in the spring to get in the rotation. Marques Slocum will sit out spring ball, but will be ready to play in the fall. Renaldo Sagesse coming in the fall will likely red-shirt.
Tim Jamison and Brandon Graham look to have the in-roads to starting at defensive end, but Eugene Germany will be pushing hard along with Adam Patterson, and Greg Banks will add to the depth of this position. Ryan Van Bergen would, one would think, red-shirt with the depth Michigan has, but don't count this guy out.
2008 Defensive Line Recruiting:
Michigan loses nobody to graduation.
In 2008 defensive line recruiting won’t be a huge position of emphasis with the depth Michigan has at both DT and DE spots, but if an “elite” one is out there you can be sure Michigan will be on them. GBW's list is just getting put together with players being added during this early recruiting class of 2008.
2008 Defensive Line early possibilities:
Ky. DE Dexter Heyman (6-3, 230, 4.9) from Louisville Male. He has an excellent performance at the Army Junior Combine, and told GBW that "If I had a leader it'd be Michigan." He'd like to camp at U-M this summer.
Instate DE Nicholas Perry (6-4, 235) from Detroit Cass Tech. He attended a Jan. U-M basketball game, and he put on a good performance at the Army Junior Combine.
Ill. DE Darius Fleming (6-3, 230) from Chicago St. Rita. He is attending the U-M Jr. Day.
Minn. DE Willie Mobley (6-2, 230) from Eden Prairie. As far as attending the U-M Jr. day we have been told he has an ACT test conflict.
Wa. DE Kavario Middleton (6-6, 240lbs) from Lakewood Lakes. The Top 100 Junior lists an early Top 5 of Washington, Oregon, USC, Michigan, and Miami.
INd. DL Steven Barnett from Indianapolis Warren Central.
Class by Class, Position by Position: Overview
Class by Class, Position by Position: Cornerbacks
Class by Class, Position by Position: O-line
Class by Class, Position by Position: Linebackers
Class by Class, Position by Position: Safeties
Class by Class, Position by Position: Running Backs
|