Freshmen That Will Make a Impact For Michigan This Year (Part II)

Peter White by Contributor Written on July 09, 2009
ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 27:  Head coach Rich Rodriguez of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers on September 27, 2008 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Ok, now that we have looked at freshmen offensive players to watch, its time to take a look at defensive players that hopefully will make a impact for Michigan this year!

 

Vlad Emilien

Safety; Plantation, FL

6'1" 190 lbs.

This big, physical safety out of Florida is excellent in run support and can read a play underneath. He also closes on short and intermediate routes well.

He is physical enough to play safety and can play close to the line of scrimmage. He finished as one of the top safeties in the state of Florida and finished his junior year with 93 tackles and three picks.

Vlad enrolled early in January and had a nice spring. He is currently competing for the free safety spot with Mike Williams. I would say Mike has the edge right now, but expect Vlad to see some playing time this season.

 

William Campbell

Defensive Tackle, Detroit, MI

6'5" 330 lbs.

This large and powerful defensive tackle has a rare combination of size and athleticism.

He is very powerful and will drive men backwords. He does a nice job of getting off the ball, but could be better if he played lower. He has a surprising change of direction and pursuit skills for a man his size.

Will played both sides of the ball in High School but is projected to be a DT in college. Will accounted for 55 tackles, 22 for a loss, nine sacks, two forced fumbles, and two fumbles recovered. Also, he returned one for a TD.

Will, like seven other Freshmen, enrolled early in January. He had a nice spring, but struggled because of his conditioning rate.

With some conditioning he will be special. But make no mistake, it will be hard keeping him off the field because of his size and power. Expect him to see playing time behind Mike Martin.

 

Craig Roh

Defensive End, Scottsdale, AZ

6'5" 225 lbs.

This long and rangy defensive end plays with intensity.

He has a very quick first step and uses his arms and quick hands to shed blockers.

Scouts raved about him with a very impressive performance at the Under Armor All American Game.

He needs to add size to his frame, but once he does, look out. He also carries a 4.0 GPA.

During his junior season he recorded 99 tackles and 15.5 sacks. He was also named first team all region, city and state. He should see the field this season provided he bulks up his frame.

 

J.T Turner

Cornerback, Massillon, OH

6'2" 185

A cornerback who is projected as a safety in college, but will play cornerback at Michigan.

He has great size with the ability to finish off a play with physical hit. He has the tools to play on the outside while not getting caught up on inside.

He also has the ability to avoid blockers using his speed and hand quickness. He was one of the top players in the state of Ohio.

Also, he could play both sides of the ball. Expect him to see playing time behind Donovan Warren and Bobocar Cissoco.

Vote Now! - Author Poll

Which of these players will make most impact ?

  • Vlad Emilien
  • William Campbell
  • Craig Roh
  • J.T Turner
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

Which of these players will make most impact ?

  • Vlad Emilien

    17.5%
  • William Campbell

    42.1%
  • Craig Roh

    8.8%
  • J.T Turner

    31.6%
  • Total votes: 57
(0)
...
Share This  
Crop_45x45
or to post this comment

0 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading more comments...
posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

597
reads

0
comments

written on July 09, 2009 Opinion

The best Michigan newsletter on the web

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address


CBS Sports Official Partner
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Getty Images.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Getty Images is strictly prohibited.