Recapping 2012 Commit Allen Gant

Another top DB commit in the 2012 class for Michigan is Allen Gant out of Sylvania, OH.  Allen checks in at 6'2" and around 220 pounds, so he has good height and weight.  Michigan is looking for taller defensive backs and Allen fits that mold.  Allen is what many would call a "Michigan Legacy" because his father Tony Gant played football for the late great Bo Schembechler.  Coach Hoke has done a great job getting top talent out of the state of Ohio and Allen Gant definitely fits that description.  Along with fellow commit Terry Richardson, Allen is one of those guys that could see some early playing time, if things go right.

Allen is another one of those mid-ranked guys, but he is one of the top defensive backs in the state of Ohio.  He's got good size which helps him in coverage and pretty decent speed.  He's another great "cover" corner and also a good tackler.  The Michigan coaches have been very vocal about wanting to get taller and bigger guys at defensive back and Allen is one of those.  He's fast and has the ability to go after the ball when it's in the air.  I like the fact that he's out of Ohio, Michigan has gotten very fortunate over the years when it comes to defensive backs out of Ohio (Charles Woodson) to name one in particular.  I like the fact that he's 6'2" which means he will match up very well against taller receivers and has good size which should help him out if he has to match up against Tight Ends.  I like Allen's game he's one of those guys that isn't afraid of contact and will support the run.  I'm one of those guys that likes physical defensive backs who are good tacklers and can cover.  Allen is a great player and will hone his skills at Michigan.

Recapping 2012 Commit Terry Richardson

Now we get into the guys that are helping bolster one of the more scrutinized parts of the Michigan defense in recent years, the secondary.  First of this group of commits is highly touted Defensive Back Terry Richardson out of Detroit Cass Tech.  Terry is an All-American and one of the top corners in the country and was a huge get for Michigan.  Michigan improved its secondary play in 2011 and should have a good 2012, but Richardson should be a player to secure it for the future.  Terry's 5'9" and 165 pounds so he's not the tallest guy in the world, but nonetheless he's got great cover skills.  Detroit Cass Tech is pretty much a Michigan pipeline and many of their players go onto play Division 1 football and many of them attend Michigan.  Cass Tech Michigan commits also includes Royce Jenkins-Stone and 2013 commits David Dawson and Jourdan Lewis.

Terry isn't the fastest guy on the field, but he rarely gets beat and has good recovery skills.  He can blanket receivers and is good in coverage.  He's only 5'9" so that worries me a bit as he will face taller receivers in college, but he has great leaping ability and is still has the skills necessary.  He will definitely put on some weight, which will help and he just has some outstanding raw talent.  In my opinion, I think he will be a nickel type guy on defense.  He can cover guys one-on-one but I believe with the guys Michigan has at corner I think he would be a 3rd or 4th guy.  This would be a good way to get him on the field in the near future.