Skipping the red shirt? Check out these impact freshmen
By TheChipReport.com
Much like last year, 2012 will be another year of trial by fire for CMU’s true freshman. Here are a few names that could be forced to skip the red shirt and contribute from the beginning.
Brandon Greer, S
Greer was a highly touted, 3 star recruit and is proving what the hype was about. In last weekend’s scrimmage, Greer had an interception in the red zone. This sort of play making ability is just what the CMU secondary needs. He has to have a slight edge over other safeties on the roster due to his 6’1″ 205 pound frame. I would be surprised if Brandon kept his red shirt status.
Nathan Ricketts, LB
Making the jump from high school to college can be very difficult at the line backer position but Dan Enos proved last season that even at this difficult position, a freshman can be given the job. Nathan Ricketts has the body to play right away but it will come down to the mental portion of his game. With the linebacker position being slightly depleted, look for this Nick Bellore look alike to skip the red shirt.
Jabari Dean, DL
The defensive line struggled to pressure the quarterback and stop the run last year. Look for 6’2″, 290 pound Jabari Dean to help in both areas in 2012. Here is a bold ass prediction, the defensive line will be a strength for the Chippewas in 2012. On paper, the Chippewas are big, agile and young. It is the perfect recipe for mashing some MAC quarterbacks.
All three players are on the defensive side of the ball and would not expect any true freshman to need to play on offense. Whether these guys play this year or not, they will eventually be impact defenders.
Facebook comments:
Given the significant opportunity to get on the field last year, I can’t believe Shafer Johnson redshirted. Hopefully we can chalk it up to a freshman learning proper technique and fundamentals rather than a motivational issue. I really want to see L Walton and Johnson out there together, eating up space and commanding double teams at the point of attack, which would free up the LBs and DEs to make some plays.
Also, I think Grand Blanc’s own Jordan Fields will see action this year, at least on special teams.
Based upon what Coach Enos has said, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kavon Frazier have an impact in the secondary as well.
Jordan Fields has all the tools to be an impact frosh but he hasn’t developed the size yet. Greer has the body lets hope he can figure out the schemes!
Rivals has Fields listed at 6-1 and 175. The official site has him at 5-11 and 170. I agree that he’d likely get bulldozed coming up in the box to defend against the run, but if he’s the athlete he’s supposed to be, then I think he’ll get some action on passing downs later in the year or fly down the field on special teams a few times. Enos cannot afford to keep any talent off the field this year, even if that means burning a redshirt for a few plays late in the year.
I sort of agree with Andrew. Enos will stop at nothing to get wins this year. If it means yanking the red shirt but beating Ball State, he’s in!
Man are we ever close… Less than a week!!!