Preview The Improved Michigan Wolverines Defense: Marvin Robinson & More
In Part I of this, we discussed some of the factors that will help Michigan to compensate for having such an incredibly young secondary: The offense should control the ball, Greg Robinson has a ton of coaching experience, and the D-Line should be stellar.
Here in Part II, we look at that very young, but extremely talented secondary. Let's start with super frosh Marvin Robinson.
Straight up, this dude looks like a beast on the field. He seems perfectly suited to playing the bandit position - sort of a hybrid safety / linebacker. He could definitely handle playing safety also. Although there is a huge overall experience drop-off between Stevie Brown and MR, Stevie only played the Bandit for one season and (no disrespect to Stevie) Marvin is just a superior athlete.
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In Stevie’s first and only year at the bandit last year, he went from being a guy that looked a step slow to a guy that made a lot of plays all over the field. Marvin looks like he came to Michigan ready to play at the college level. He's got a strong college physique, plays fast, and has excellent fundamentals (never lets guys get behind him deep).
Oh, did I mention this guy can seriously hit. Apparently he hits so hard, he has cracked his helmet twice already in practice! In my opinion, he he has the potential to be freshman of the year in the Big Ten. Apparently he's been making interceptions and stuffing the run like crazy in practice. Welcome to the Michigan family - man are we happy to have you!
Another guy that I’m excited to watch is RS Soph J.T. Floyd. He looks like he has the potential to develop into a true shut down corner. MGoBlue.com has shown a few clips of him absolutely blanketing some of Michigan's talented receivers.
Although Floyd struggled last year, all indications are that he is ready to step it up big time this year. Prior to Woolfolk's injury, he was solidly entrenched as the other starting corner. We'll find out if Floyd is truly ready to be a #1 CB in the Big Ten.
It sounds more and more like senior James “The Jet” Rodgers will be starting on the other side. He is a burner who also runs track. I have to admit, it is hard to be excited about a guy who has bounced around at Michigan from corner to receiver and back to corner. However, a dedicated senior with serious wheels always has a chance to make an impact. From all indications, he is easily having his best camp this year.
It looks like we’re going to be much faster and more physical at safety also. Vlad Emilien is a true soph who can really bring the wood. Despite missing his entire senior year with a torn ACL, he was rated the #14 safety in the country coming out of high school last year.
One newcomer to the safety position is former receiver, RS frosh Cameron Gordon. Gordon was the talk of spring practice with his physical play. It sounds like he has a natural feel for the position.
A third young safety with a ton of potential is true frosh Josh Furman. He was ranked as the #7 safety in the country and this guy can really fly. He’s listed at 207 pounds, but can run the 40 in about 4.35 seconds – wow. Another crazy exciting prospect for the Maize and Blue.
Headlining the rest of our group of talented youngsters is the #3 nationally ranked freshman CB, Cullen Christian. Terrance Talbot, Courtney Avery, Al Backey, and Teric Jones (soph) are some other freshmen who could earn time at the cornerback slot this year.
Summarizing the Defense
Summarizing the Defense
Make no mistake, this is a defense with a ton of questions. Can DC Greg Robinson design schemes to properly protect the younger secondary? Can the D-Line create havoc despite losing the amazing Brandon Graham. Can the linebackers be more consistent? Can two or three freshmen or first time contributors step up and make a big contribution? Can we create more than the paltry 16 turnovers we forced last year?
I believe the answer to all those questions are yes. I believe this defense will be better than the last two. The answers of course will come on the field beginning September 4th against UConn. I can’t wait!
GB2SL!
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