ASK THE EXPERT: Sans Terrelle Pryor, U-M's 2008 class still gets 'A'
The Free Press recently spoke with Josh Helmholdt, a recruiting analyst for TheWolverine.com (Michigan's rivals.com site).
We discussed how Rich Rodriguez' s first U-M recruiting class compares to some of Lloyd Carr's past ones and the chances of Terrelle Pryor choosing Michigan.
How do you grade Rich Rodriguez's first recruiting class? The only negative mark at this point, with Terrelle Pryor being undecided, is (not) having a quarterback that can step in in Rich Rodriguez's offense. That is the only negative mark. They hit everything else. ...
So you look at it and you've got to give him an "A."
Where do you think this class ranks compared to some of Lloyd Carr's classes in the last few years? Very tough to compare, and I'll tell you why. Because one, what Rich Rodriguez needs to run his offense, he got. That was the key for this class. He got a couple more athletic linemen, and he got the skill-position guys. ... Lloyd was able to bring in five stars (five-star athletes) almost every year, almost one five star every year; this class didn't have that. ...
But when you look at how well did they meet the needs, I think you have to compare them pretty favorably. Lloyd was one of the best recruiters in the country. They met their needs, and that was what Rich Rodriguez did in this class; he met his needs.
Thoughts on Terrelle Pryor not signing and Michigan's chances? I think the chances of him picking Michigan at this point are certainly lower than they were on signing day. Adding Penn State to the mix certainly doesn't help Michigan's chances. I'd be surprised if Oregon really stays in the mix much longer, but maybe he does take a trip out there.
Which players from this class could see significant playing time or even start next season? I think No. 1 I expect to see contributing next year is Darryl Stonum. A couple reasons: Darryl is the highest-rated prospect in this class; he's a phenomenal talent at the wide receiver position. No. 2, he's coming in as a midyear enrollee. He's already on campus. ... And then the slot wide receiver position, because Michigan didn't really have anybody to play that role. They have a number of kids that they can plug in there. But the two that are for sure going to be plugged in there (are) Terrence Robinson and Martavious Odoms.
Of Michigan's two top running back recruits, Sam McGuffie and Michael Shaw, whom do you think will be better? I think Michael Shaw is more of the overall running back. I think McGuffie is more specialized; he can't do as many things. I think when it comes to being able to make every type of run, I think Michael Shaw fits that bill the best.
They both are blazing fast; they have great agility. Sam McGuffie's skills are a little bit more known because all of the video on him. But all in all, I think Michael Shaw's probably the better overall player.
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