O’Neill Still Seeing Opportunity at U-M

Grand Haven (Mich.) offensive tackle Dann O’Neill was in Ann Arbor for Michigan’s battle with Ohio State. Since then, a lot has happened, the disappointing loss and the retirement of Coach Carr may have other commitments looking around … is O’Neill one of them – or not?

Should Michigan Wolverine fans be worried about Dann O’Neill? The 6’7, 300-lb offensive tackle from Grand Haven is one of the Maize and Blue’s prized recruits this year … and after all the pressure those Buckeyes put on Chad Henne, he might be one of the more important. So do Wolverine faithful need to keep an eye on him?

“Not at all, not one bit,” O’Neill said of his commitment.

O’Neill was at the Michigan-OSU game. “The atmosphere was great. There is no rivalry like that in college football and that alone made it an amazing game. It didn’t turn out like I wanted, but it was lots of fun, and I’m excited to be playing there next year.”

With the injuries, the struggles and graduation on the offensive line, it is natural to think O’Neill might be able to step in and play right away. Whether he does see the field or spends a year adjusting to the college game, he knows nothing will be handed to him.

“Well, I haven’t discussed it with them yet, but they are losing two guys that are starting right now, so that presents me an opportunity. If I work really hard in the offseason, I can make a difference, and could get on the two-deep really quickly, but you never know.”

As for his position, O’Neill played left tackle almost exclusively for his high school Buccaneers, but tried a couple different spots at summer camp and says his final destination is far from determined.

“At this point, I haven’t showcased my college ability,” he said, “I did a great job in high school on the line, but in college, everything changes. I could be a guard or they could throw me in right at tackle. I’m not sure whether left or right, everything’s pretty broad right now.”

Then there is that coaching position. Coach Carr’s retirement is a big reason many of the other recruits are uncertain about their futures right now. O’Neill knows he’s a Wolverine, but is as in the dark as anyone about who the head man will be.

“Well, there’s the obvious one, Les Miles, everyone’s been saying that. Beyond that, I don’t know anything more than anyone else.”