Fall Camp Update: Freshmen, Sheridan Impress

The Michigan players lined up on both sides of the rows of cones-- offense on one side, defense on the other. Between the rows, seven players were engaged in what the coaches call the "M-Drill": three blockers, three defenders, and a running back. In the drill, the back tries to use his blockers and his running ability to maneuver past the three tacklers. As reporters watched and cameras clicked away, freshman running back Michael Shaw showed his moves by juking past one defender, his speed by eluding another, and then squared his shoulders and plowed over freshman cornerback Boubacar Cissoko-- the final defender in front of him. The hit drew a collective yelp from Shaw's teammates, while a few reporters made impressed remarks.

Die-hard Wolverine fans who followed Michigan recruiting knew that four-star recruit Michael Shaw had first-class speed.

They didn't know that he brought that kind of pop, too.

In reality, former Trotwood-Madison star Michael Shaw is just one of several true freshman who have impressed Michigan head football coach Rich Rodriguez so far this camp. Running back Sam McGuffie has also made a positive impact on his coach, causing Rodriguez to say in a recent press conference that neither McGuffie nor Shaw would redshirt their freshman year.

"Normally the biggest drawback from a freshman is can they handle the schemes, the pace and all the things that go on with it," Rodriguez said of the two running backs. "And those two have shown that they can so far. They're both fast, explosive players that are good with the spread system...these guys were obviously well-coached in high school."

Rich Rod also singled out offensive linemen Ricky Barnum and Rocko Khoury, receiver Martavious Odoms and tight end Kevin Koger as possible true freshman contributors, and has commented several times already on slot reciever Terrence Robinson. Wide receiver Darryl Stonum, a spring practice participant, will very likely be a starter. Rodriguez highlighted tackle Mike Martin, safety Brandon Smith, and cornerbacks J.T. Floyd and Boubacar Cissoko as possible contributors early for the defense.

"I thought going in there would be upwards of nine or 10 true freshmen who were going to play," Rodriguez said. "That looks to be the case."

This comes as great news to Michigan fans who feasted on McGuffie and Robinson's YouTube highlights from high school, or drooled over Cissoko's five-stars and impressive offers from other high-profile schools. The Wolverines will be young, and this inexperience may cost them a few games this season, but it's worth keeping an eye on because this team will likely be extremely dangerous in two or three years.

Update: Quarterback Competition

It doesn't seem as if the early success of impact freshman has not stretched into the quarterback department, however. True freshman Justin Feagin, a late commitment last winter and the only running quarterback on Michigan's roster, has struggled.

"He's got a long way to go mentally," Rich Rodriguez said, "because he's got so much to learn."

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