Week 6: Top Performers And Underperformers

Saturday against Purdue gave us a lot to be happy about with this team as a whole. In my opinion, it was the first game this season that both the offense and defense were rolling on all cylinders. And let me just say it was a beautiful sight.

With so many high class performances on Saturday, it's hard to pick just the top 3, but I guess it comes down to separating the good from the elite.

So before I hold you up any longer, here are your top Wolverine performers from Saturday's action.

1) Denard Robinson - QB

Let's just get something out of the way here. When Denard Robinson says he is going to bounce back and perform better, expect Denard Robinson to bounce back and perform better.

2012 Positional Breakdown: Defensive Back

Michigan Defensive Backs were arguable the most improved players from 2010 to 2011. They were the biggest part of the Wolverines huge turn around through that time, and it was hard to not be impressed with the progress the Defensive Backs showed last season.

Now we are about to begin the second season with Brady Hoke and Greg Mattison heading up the defense that was the statistically most improved unit last year, while basically using the same personnel that embarrassed the program a year earlier. Defensive Backs will once again have a huge influence on how this defense fairs against a relatively tougher schedule.

J.T. Floyd
J.T. Floyd is entering his final season as a Wolverine, and it's needless to say he has experienced a lot during his time in Ann Arbor. Redshirting during his Freshman year of 2008, Floyd did not see playing time until the next season, where he played in 9 games. It was obvious he had a lot of potential to his game; it was just a matter of when he would pop out of his shell and become an impact player. Well, that time has come.

2012 Most Improved Returning Players #5 And #6

Today (Monday) begins a 3-post series that breaks down the top 6 returning players from 2011 that I think will make the largest improvements in the 2012 season. Many players improve on a yearly basis and I'm going to try to make some predictions about which players will improve the most.  There are a lot of question marks for next year's team, so this should help us get an understanding of who will be the best players for next year.

Each Monday and Thursday, I will reveal two more players. Today, we are looking at #6 and #5, Thursday we will be looking at #4 and #3 and next Monday I will be ranking #2 and the #1 most improved returning players.  Remember, this isn't necessarily the best players on the team, but the ones that will be the most improved.

6. J.T. Floyd (CB)

J.T. Floyd has been one of the most exciting players to watch develop over the past couple of years, and the improvement he has already made as a cover corner in the Big Ten is worth noting.

Floyd has made his trademark on the Michigan defense with his 1-on-1 abilities. The staple of Floyd's career at Michigan came last season in the Big House's first ever night game against Notre Dame. There was obviously the tremendous comeback in the fourth quarter, but J.T. Floyd was left 1-on-1 with Michael Floyd for most of the game and held his own. Minimizing the damage that came from the Fighting Irish all-star was a big part of that huge victory.

Floyd's biggest improvement will come in his deep coverage game. Last season, he had some trouble in defending the deep ball mainly by biting on a double move and then getting beat down the field. The good news about that is it all in the technique, which means it is easier to fix. We could also see more turnovers by way of Floyd this season. At 6-foot-1-inch, a good play on the ball could result in 3-4 INTs this season, after 2 last year.

My expectations for J.T. Floyd in 2012 are: getting better defending the deep ball, continued improvement in 1-on-1 coverage, and 3-4 INTs.

The number one key for Floyd in his improvement in defending the deep ball will be not biting so hard on the double move from receivers. Floyd is more often than not put on the opposition's best receiver in man-to-man coverage, so it will be a tough challenge. The main things I'm looking for with Floyd are recognition and reaction. Recognizing the situation and knowing what the receivers double move is going to look like, and then acting quickly enough to disrupt will be the difference.

1-on-1 coverage in the main characteristic of J.T. Floyd's play. His ability to lock in on receivers and track the ball is why this Michigan coaching staff trusts him on some of the toughest wideouts in the Big Ten, and I think he will continue to improve that aspect of his game into something lethal.

2 INTs for Floyd last year seemed average. I believe he is capable of more, and that should show in 2012. He does a nice job of breaking up passes, so the next logical step is getting two hands on the ball and not letting it go. Now, I'm not complaining about the break-ups, but it would be huge to come up with some turnovers, especially with the threats of an offense led by Denard Robinson.

5. Fitzgerald Toussaint (RB)

Fitzgerald (or "Fitz") Toussaint was the biggest offensive surprise from 2011. Al Borgess kept stressing his need to find a full-time back that could carry the ball 20-25 per game, and he got his guy about midway through the conference schedule.

Fitz Toussaint showed some potential early in the season with 80 yards in the opener against Western Michigan and then 108 yards in the blowout victory against Minnesota. But, at that time, he was getting equal opportunity with Vincent Smith and Michael Shaw. It wasn't until a 170 yard performance against Purdue that offensive coordinator Al Borges decided to stick with Toussaint through the rest of the season, and he did not disappoint.

Getting going early will be the biggest key for Toussaint next season. Consistency was never really a problem; once he was productive, he stayed productive. Obviously, getting the ground game going with a long haul, powerful back like Toussaint is what Michigan is wanting to get back to, but, at the same time, it helps out Denard Robinson in plenty of different ways. Robinson's running game can open up, he will find more 1-on-1 opportunities in the passing game, and play-action will be very affective. It's going to be exciting to see how big of an impact Fitz Toussaint can have on this Michigan offense next season.

My expectations for Fitz Toussaint are: 1,300+ rushing yards, 12 TDs, and to be reliable for 3rd and short situations.

Toussaint didn't really break into his 2011 prime until about midway through the conference season. Still, he rushed for just over 1,000 yards and punched a ticket into the end zone 9 times. If he can get started right away in 2012, I don't see any reason why 1,300 yards wouldn't be reached by the end, given he can stay healthy.

When Michigan got deep into the Red Zone last year, the most reliable play seemed to be letting Denard roll out and either dump it off or try to run it in himself. But in a perfect offense led by Al Borgess, the ball could be pounded in by the back. Fitz is turning into that kind of a player, and I think the Red Zone will be his "throne" this year. He's very strong, lets his blocks form, and has pretty good foot speed. Not to mention, he won't go down on first contact.

3rd and short is in the same boat as being as deep in the Red Zone. It used to primarily be up to Denard to find a way to move the chains, but that shouldn't be the case in 2012. Toussaint can use that same combination of power and speed in 3rd and short situations that he can use on the goal line.

Stay tuned for Thursday when I reveal the #4 and #3 most improved returning players for 2012.

Pre-season All-Big Ten Teams Breakdown

Photo Credit: PhilSteele

Phil Steele has released his 2012 preseason All-Big Ten teams, and a lot of familiar names have made their way onto the list.

OFFENSE

QB- Denard Robinson (1st Team):

Topping the 1st team list at quarterback is no surprise: Denard Robinson. Denard "Shoelace" Robinson is one of the most exciting exciting players to watch in all of college football, and, while nothing is set in stone this early, Denard seems to be the favorite to get the first team selection among just about everybody.

The largest obstacle standing in front of Robinson is decision making. The Michigan staff says 1/3 of his 15 interceptions from a year ago were due to poor decisions, and Denard has acknowledged that flaw to his game. If we see a Denard Robinson that can keep attacking on the ground, as well as cut the turnovers in half, there is no way around crowning him with 1st team honors.

WR- Roy Roundtree (1st Team):

The second Wolverine to find himself on the 1st team ballot is WR Roy Roundtree. Everyone remembers Roundtree from a year ago for the famous TD grab with 2 seconds on the clock against Notre Dame, but he only had 19 receptions all year, after 72 receptions in 2010. However, the absence of Junior Hemingway will open up a huge opportunity for Roundtree to step up as a target of Denard Robinson.

OT- Taylor Lewan (1st Team):

The third and final 1st team selection for the Wolverines is OT Taylor Lewan, a 6-foot-8-inch, 294 lb junior. Lewan was one of the most physical presences up front in the Big Ten, but was somewhat downplayed because of the play of David Molk, last year's Rimington Award recipient.

Lewan played a very key part in the success of both running the football and protecting Denard Robinson in the backfield. Very few teams had any kind of success penetrating the Michigan O-line, which in turn led to the success of Fitz Toussaint in the running game and allowed Robinson to toss 20 TDs.

RB- Fitzgerald Toussaint (2nd Team):

Fitz Toussaint is a name worthy of a 1st team bid, but with other RBs like Montee Ball and Rex Burkhead, he finds himself as the only Wolverine selected onto the 2nd team. Last year, Toussaint established himself as the primary back in the beginning of Big Ten play, and that is exactly what Al Borgess wanted from his Wolverines backfield, someone to step up and carry the ball 20-25 times a game for the long haul. The staff is still working to develop Toussaint into a back that can take the pressure off of Denard's legs, which would ultimately make them both more affective.

OG- Patrick Omameh (3rd Team):

Patrick Omameh is another big body up front for the Michigan offense, and, much like Taylor Lewan, was somewhat looked over because of the play of David Molk. Still, Omameh made huge contributions to the Wolverines O-line. I could have seen his name anywhere from 2nd team to 4th team and really wouldn't have been too surprised, so 3rd team is certainly a good fit for big man.

WR- Jeremy Gallon (4th Team):

Jeremy Gallon is the only Wolverine to find himself on the 4th team, but, of all players selected preseason, I believe Gallon is the most likely to move up by the end of the season, possibly as far as the 2nd team. He made a huge jump from 2010 to 2011, going from just 4 to 31 receptions and was a consistent target for Denard Robinson all season. Gallon's biggest weapon is speed, so his numbers will highly depend on his ability to get out in the open field, however Al Borgess goes about doing that.

DEFENSE

LB- Kenny Demens (2nd Team):

No Wolverine made it as a 1st team selection on defense, but the first of three to be named to the 2nd team is Kenny Demens. Demens finds himself on the 2nd team strictly because of his ability to find the ball carrier and bring him down. He isn't a defender who is going to nose out the ball through the air or rack up 10 sacks per season. In a defense led by coordinator Greg Mattison, the number one emphasis was ganging up on the ball, and that's exactly what Kenny Demens was able to do. All in all, Demens accounted for 49 solo tackles and 45 solo tackles.

CB- J.T. Floyd (2nd Team):

J.T. Floyd is a very nice selection for 2nd team CB. Floyd is a much improved cover corner who has had his share of tests. The biggest stepping stone to his game came against Notre Dame, when the defensive scheme matched him up 1-on-1 with Michael Floyd (now with the Arizona Cardinals) for most of the game, and he held his own for the most part. This is J.T. Floyd's secondary, and I expect to see a very solid season from the senior.

S- Jordan Kovacs (2nd Team):

The final Wolverine to be selected to the 2nd team is Safety Jordan Kovacs. Kovacs had to walk on to the football team and now finds himself starting at Safety and doing a fine job at it, as well. Kovacs is passion-driven player who makes the right plays at the right times. I actually thought Kovacs would be a 4th team selection, but this just goes to show the amount of respect he has built up with other people.

DE- Craig Roh (3rd Team):

Senior Craig Roh is the only Wolverine selected onto the 3rd team, but I think Roh could have been a 2nd team selection. Craig Roh's staple was the ability to get into the backfield. He accounted for a sack in all but four games that he played in. A lot of his success from last year was due to the attention required by Mike Martin and Ryan Van Burgen, so it will be interesting to see if he can keep his success going with those two up front with him.

S- Thomas Gordon (4th Team):

Thomas Gordon is probably my biggest surprise being selected for the Wolverines, but he has deserved this honor. Gordon's biggest up-side is closing speed. As the last line of defense of safety, Gordon accounted for a good number of tackles.

SPECIAL TEAMS

PR- Jeremy Gallon (3rd Team)

Jeremy Gallon is the only Wolverine listed under the special teams, but I think this is well deserved. Gallon is always a threat on the returning side, especially punt return, and, for the most part, he did a nice job of getting the Wolverines offense into good position. 

Spring Game Questions? How Will Michigan Be In The Fall?

Yesterday, I was among the 20,000-25,000 fans who attended the annual Mott's Spring Game. It raised a hefty amount for the hospital, which half was matched by the Bean family of Brighton. Great thanks to that family because they do more than some of us wish we could do.

Ok, so 1 short paragraph about the alumni game. Granted, it was raining for most of it but that didn't diminish the enthusiasm that all of the alumni players had. The Blue team clearly outshone the Maize squad, and even when the Maize squad tried to make a comeback, they were uniformly answered by the Blue team. I was unaware Cato June could still move like that!

Onto the major topic at hand. While some of the things I saw yesterday defined progress, I was left with some questions that hopefully will be solved by summer and fall.

1. I'm sure everyone was aware of Denard's lack of playing time and production in the game. Part of this was done on purpose, with Hoke telling him earlier in the spring that if he fumbled one snap, or threw one interception, he would be benched for the rest of the game. Key is he said fumble. Not to say that's a prediction or a prophecy of the upcoming season, but it is worrisome. I, just like everyone else, have heard the rumors of Denard having great spring practices, and working hard on not throwing off his front foot (which we all know leads to disaster almost every time). However, I still am leery. Denard looks to be in great shape and seems to have added muscle onto his wiry frame so hopefully that will help him absorb punishment in the season ahead. Devin Gardner is another story--an enigma really. The incumbent backup to Denard was not on time with his throws yesterday, and seemed uncomfortable being rushed out of the pocket. Last year Russell Bellomy was a freshman, and I honestly have to say that I was impressed with most of his throws. Now granted, he doesn't have the experience that Gardner has yet, but he looked very much in command. He even showed a little bit of skill escaping a collapsing pocket. Overall, I think Bellomy had the better game but I think it's going to take a lot more than that to supplant Gardner as Denard's backup.

2. Defense! Just some musings about the impressions I was left with. I said in a previous article that Floyd and Countess needed to step up. They appeared to do just that, especially with the interception that Countess caught. I was intrigued by Will Campbell, Craig Roh, and Jibreel Black. If they're able to continue the pressure on the quarterback, and cut through the blocks to get there as I saw, I really don't see much of a downward spiral from Martin, Van Bergen, and Heininger leaving.

3. I wasn't excited by Gibbons as our kicker. Yes, he was our de facto hero from the Sugar Bowl, but Matt Wile looked much more impressive with his leg on kicks before the game, and the lone field goal he attempted during it. The kicking game has been somewhat cringing in recent years and I don't think Gibbons will be the full time kicker. Wile needs more experience sure, but as a freshman last year he had some highlights. We need that kickrr to be able to stay close in games against tougher opponents i.e. Alabama.

4. Ah the receivers. Roundtree looked superb, as did Gallon. I saw nothing to separate one TE from another. Maybe Moore can make a go of it, maybe not but that is one position that gives me the willies this season.

5. The offensive line. OK, this one is a head scratcher. What we all saw yesterday was missed assignments and blocks. Quarterback pocket consistently collapsing. Hopefully with our incoming freshman, especially Magnuson and Kalis, we won't see as much penetration as we did on Saturday.
    
Bottom line, the Sping Game was nice. If they were always a sure indication of how the regular season would go, I'd be one of the best prognosticators around. Things are sure to improve over the summer with the incoming freshman class, and with more time. I will say this...with the rain stopping just before the game started yesterday, it was almost an omen. I'm going to call it the Schembechler effect. I know Bo would not want rain on such an important day for the fans. Feel free to send your feedback, for it is with your comments that we are all more dedicated fans.


Photo Credit: AnnArbor.com