ASK THE EXPERT: Michigan target Terrelle Pryor not an exceptional passer but phenomenal athlete
The Free Press recently spoke with Josh Helmholdt, a writer for The Wolverine (Michigan's site on rivals.com). We discussed blue-chip recruit Terrelle Pryor and whether the dual-threat quarterback is getting too much hype.
What are your thoughts on Terrelle Pryor as a player? I did get to witness it last week down in San Antonio for the Army (All-American game) and the Army Bowl practices, and he's going to be much different than what Michigan fans are used to. There is no doubt he is a phenomenal, phenomenal athlete. But that is first and foremost what he is. He is not an exceptional passer. He's good enough to succeed in college in that passing game, but the days of Chad Henne and Ryan Mallett and Elvis Grbac and Drew Henson, those days are gone. You're not going to see just a phenomenal arm out of a kid like Terrelle Pryor. What he does do with the ball in his hands, though, is almost unmatched. I think by the end of his college career, the only person that people are going to be able to compare him to is Michael Vick.
You don't think that there is any chance that he is overhyped? There is some concern with his throwing ability. ... He's going to be able to just pass well enough to make people respect it. When he lets loose and fires the football, he's very good.
What type of player is he emotionally as a leader? He's a little bit in the middle. He's not a quiet leader. ... He projects confidence, there is no doubt about it.
What are Michigan's chances of landing him? I've been down there with him and, at this point, you can't really put an accurate chance on whether he will sign with Michigan because he's got to take an official visit up to Michigan yet. That is going to be key. I get a sense that he is really, really excited about the opportunity at Michigan. He's told me as much. ... I have very strong confidence after talking with him, after talking with other recruits down there that spoke with him, that he is going to make a decision between Ohio State and Michigan.
If he does choose Michigan, what should fans' expectations be for next season? I certainly don't think a national championship should be in their expectations. It's going to take awhile.
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