NCAA Football

Five-star running back Derrick Green is heading to Ann Arbor and will have an instant impact on Brady Hoke's offense. 

The 6'0", 220-pounder has tremendous speed. His commitment is a huge deal for the Michigan Wolverines. Expect to see him on the field this fall.  

According to 247Sports compositie ranking, Green is the No. 3 recruit in Virginia, the No. 4 RB and the No. 26 recruit in the country. 

Full Ride is Bleacher Report's weekly college football recruiting show that pulls back the curtain to give you the hottest news, analysis, interviews and highlights.

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Highlight video courtesy of 247Sports.com.

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The weeks and months of speculation are finally over, and Michigan Wolverines fans can now rejoice, breathe a little easier and shift their focus to the fall of 2013 because 5-star running back Derrick Green will wear the Maize and Blue winged helmet during his collegiate football career. 

Green—the No. 1-ranked running back of the 2013 class—chose Michigan over SEC programs Auburn and Tennessee, announcing his decision during today's 4 p.m. press conference at Hermitage High (Va.). 

Thoughts of what Green is capable of doing to Big Ten linebackers are plenty. Thoughts of just how he will benefit an ailing Wolverines rushing attack are ever present. 

The powerful 6'0," 220-pounder tallied nine rushing touchdowns during his senior year before earning a laundry list of All-Everything accolades. Green averaged nearly 13 yards per carry and 160 per game this past season for the Panthers (10-1). 

He's incredibly difficult to tackle, and he'll undoubtedly prove himself this fall when he faces Big Ten linebackers for the first time.

Yes, even as a true freshman, Green will receive his fair share of totes in Wolverines offensive coordinator Al Borges' scheme. 

The Power-I formation, the ground-and-pound, the Bo-style of owning the field is perfect for Green, a one-time Ohio State target. Given the Wolverines' struggles while running in 2012, Green will surely inject a new level of excitement into Michigan's backfield. 

 

First Year? No Problem

There aren't many true freshmen who get a chance to shine in the Big Ten. The level of talent is among the best in the land, but Green's game is undeniable; he's something special, and it doesn't make sense to shelve him for any reason. 

The Wolverines averaged 183 yards on the ground per game in 2012. Of course, the bulk of that load was carried by quarterback Denard Robinson. Now that "Shoelace" has completed his term in Ann Arbor, Michigan needs another reliable horse to run, run, run. 

Robinson became a Michigan legend during his time with the Wolverines. His athleticism is off the charts. But the Wolverines tailored their scheme—as much as possible, anyway—to cater to Robinson's strength. 

Unfortunately for Michigan, that meant running more of a spread style filled with option-reads and misdirection plays. That works elsewhere, but it's not what works for Michigan. 

Getting back to "Michigan football" has been coach Brady Hoke's mantra the past three years. Now that Hoke has Green, he'll no longer have to worry about his quarterback getting smashed each time the Wolverines take to the ground.

He won't have to cover his eyes and hope for the best when Green carries the ball. Well, he may cover his eyes while Green bulldozes Buckeyes and Spartans linebackers, but that's another story. 

 

Move Over Thomas Rawls and Fitz Toussaint

Sophomore Thomas Rawls definitely made strides this past year. The Flint native has been compared to former Alabama star Mark Ingram, also of Flint, and appeared to be on the fast track to the spotlight in Michigan's backfield. 

Michigan couldn't decide which back to use, so Rawls was shuffled in and out of the lineup while struggling junior Fitz Toussaint took on the lion's share of rushing duties. Toussaint was ineffective before his gruesome season-ending injury suffered against Iowa. 

Here's a look at Rawls' and Toussaint's numbers: Rawls (57 carries, 242 yards, four touchdowns), Toussaint (130 carries, 514 yards, five touchdowns). 

Opinions vary, but there were a lot of Wolverines fans who felt Rawls should have been placed into the No. 1 role as early as Week 3 or 4. Unfortunately for Rawls, he may never get a real shot at showing off his Ingram-like skills. 

Green's arrival will spark a fiery competition. Get ready for that one. 

Now that Michigan has its man in Green, the Wolverines have three solid options to start at running back. Don't forget about De'Veon Smith; he's another big-bodied wrecking ball that fits Borges' and Hoke's system. 

However, it's hard not to speculate about Green. It's incredibly difficult to think that he won't have an immediate impact in Ann Arbor. Now that he's safely secure with Michigan, the rest of the Big Ten will have no other choice but to fear the Wolverines' talent-saturated backfield. 

 

Follow Bleacher Report's Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81

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While South Carolina will return a significant amount of players from its elite defense in 2013, the Gamecocks have a glaring hole at linebacker after losing five seniors at that position. 

With Shaq Wilson, DeVonte Holloman, Reginald Bowens, Quin Smith and Damario Jeffery all having used up their eligibility at South Carolina, the Gamecocks need their young linebackers to step up. 

Though they do have several young studs, such as Kaiwan Lewis and Mason Harris, already waiting in the wings in Columbia, one incoming freshman in Steve Spurrier's 2013 recruiting class stands out as a potential immediate impact player. 

Larenz Bryant, 4-star linebacker who is the nation's fourth-ranked inside linebacker by Rivals, has the talent and athleticism to see significant playing time upon his arrival on campus. 

Byrant only weighs 210 pounds, but he makes up for it with his 4.58 speed and impressive range. Those assets translate well onto the field, as the young linebacker has outstanding closing speed and can catch opponents from anywhere on the field. 

Due to his slight frame, Bryant will likely spend most of his time on the outside at South Carolina, perhaps in place of the departing weak-side linebacker Wilson, a long-time veteran who only weighs 224 pounds himself. 

The North Carolina native demonstrates excellent blitzing ability as well, often getting into the backfield before his opponents know what hit them. This asset will be a key addition to Lorenzo Ward's aggressive defense in 2013. 

Back in 2012, Ward told Willie T. Smith III of GreenvilleOnline.com:

"When we saw what we had when we used the rabbit package on third downs (playing four defensive ends up front), we feel like we didn’t have to bring pressure all the time," Ward said. "We probably would have to bring more if we didn’t come up with that particular package, but we really didn’t have to blitz as much."

With the loss of athletic defensive end Devin Taylor, whose long strides and 6'8" frame were some of the biggest reasons for the success of the "rabbit package," Ward will likely have to bring more heat from his young, athletic linebacker corps in 2013.

Bryant is definitely capable of contributing to Ward's aggressive game plan. However, he does have some areas where he would need to improve.

According to ESPN's Chris Low, Spurrier complimented his defensive coordinator by explaining that he's "coaching a very sound, fundamental scheme."

If Bryant wants to make an early impact, he'll have to improve on just that—the fundamentals. The incoming freshman was able to get by in high school with his physicality and athleticism, often tackling high with his arms instead of getting low and running through the tackle with his body. 

In the SEC, Bryant will have to improve on wrapping up and lowering his body to take down the likes of Todd Gurley and T.J. Yeldon if he wants to succeed. 

Nonetheless, Bryant's talent, potential and athleticism will provide the Gamecocks, at the very least, some much-needed depth and upside in an inexperienced corps of linebackers. 

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Recruiting is the most inexact science in sports. 

An easy way to get lost in the recruiting shuffle is to glare at star ratings and statistics. Star ratings are the least accurate of the two deciphering points, but stats can be equally deceiving.

There are five stats that really get overhyped often, and this is a breakdown of what they are and how they can mislead a casual recruiting follower. 

How recruits will develop over four years is tough to judge, but there are signs that coaches look for to choose who they believe will develop into star talent once they arrive at the next level. Here is why you don’t need to get lost in the stats shuffle. 

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Having Shane Morris ride the pine for a season would benefit the Michigan Wolverines.

247Sports' composite rankings have the De La Salle Collegiate High School senior at No. 71.

Morris committed to Michigan way back in May of 2011 (h/t AnnArbor.com). He was invited to the Under Armour All-American Game this year, but had a very poor showing, finishing 2-of-10 for the game with an interception. Kyle Meinke of MLive.com did a good job of chronicling his difficulties in the buildup to the All-American Game.

Those who saw Morris came away largely unimpressed.

It was the culmination of a rather poor run for Morris, as reported by Meinke. Morris fell in Rivals' rankings and lost a star from his status, thus becoming a 4-star quarterback.

As a result, some of the gloss on Morris' arrival has worn off.

Michigan might normally be concerned if it didn't already have a steady QB situation for 2013. Devin Gardner did a very good job after replacing Denard Robinson in 2012. He passed for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns to only five interceptions. Gardner also rushed for another 101 yards.

The Wolverines will be a very good football team with him at the helm. He is largely unproven, but he's likely at least as good of a passer as Robinson was.

With all of the momentum having been almost completely drained from Morris coming into Ann Arbor next season, the timing is perfect for him to take a step back in regard to his Wolverine career. Having him sit out his freshman year will help his development greatly.

It's not as if all of a sudden he's a poor quarterback because he dropped in recruiting rankings. He has the tools to succeed. Now it's up to the Michigan coaching staff to hone his skills.

If anything, the poor run just helped to ground fans' expectations, which is only going to help Morris.

The Wolverines don't need a quarterback to come in and throw for 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. They need a QB who will be able to manage the game and help move the ball down the field.

Michigan won a split of the 1997 national title with Brian Griese and then the 2000 Orange Bowl with Tom Brady. Neither of those guys lit up the field.

Morris can take a year off and learn the Wolverines' playbook while adjusting a little more to college football. By the time Gardner is done, Morris can take over.

He's going to be the quarterback of the future. At this point, it's important that he has plenty of time to settle in and find his groove. Redshirting his freshman season will pay huge dividends for both player and school.

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Ohio State 2013 process of recruiting is coming to an end soon and it's time to break down the battle for Cornelius Elder.

Elder, the seventh-ranked athlete in the country according to 247sports, is considering Ohio State in addition to UCLA, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt. 

The 5'10", 165-pound athlete played running back and safety in high school, as well as basketball at Ensworth High School in Nashville.

The possibility of Elder opting to play basketball on the next level complicates matters in recruiting him, as his talent on the court is getting notice at the collegiate level.

Elder named the schools that are recruiting him on the hardwood: "Western Kentucky, MTSU, College of Charleston, Northeastern and Florida Gulf Coast,” he said.

No one other than Elder knows whether he will play basketball or football, but clearly the Buckeyes are hoping for the latter.

Elder is a waterbug athlete who could play either defense or offense. He's incredibly fast and the Buckeyes are seemingly closing in on him. 

Ohio State's main challenge is UCLA and basketball programs around the nation. If a major basketball program offers him a roster spot, he may accept it in favor of any offer made by a football program.

After all, Elder did say that he would pursue basketball at the next level and it seems logical that he would take an offer from a high major. 

Basketball teams are wary of Elder's small stature and wiry frame, and undoubtedly have concerns about whether can he keep up physically. 

If he does play football, he will need to bulk up at least 20 more pounds, as he's currently not able to take a beating in the physical Big 10. 

Elder's ultimate decision remain a mystery but, in the meantime, he is highly sought-after by the Buckeyes. If he chooses football, it's likely he'll be playing in the Horseshoe next fall. 

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The 2013 Senior Bowl is set to kick off Saturday afternoon from Mobile, Alabama (3 p.m. ET, NFL Network), where some of the best college seniors will put their talents on display.

But only a few are sure to entertain scouts, fans and viewers from all over.

Below, we'll highlight a trio of entertaining players to watch for in Saturday's Senior Bowl.

 

Aaron Dobson, North, WR

Not many college football or NFL fans are familiar with Marshall wide receiver Aaron Dobson, but his name is certainly one to know.

The 6'3", 200-pound playmaker put up underwhelming numbers with the Thundering Herd this past season, catching 57 balls for 679 yards and only three touchdowns. But still, his talent and ability cannot be denied. 

You likely won't find a better pair of hands coming out of college this year, and few wide receiving prospects can contend with Dobson's durability and motor. He's a guy who wants to win on every play, and it shows.

Keep an eye out for Dobson in Mobile on Saturday, as the North coaching staff will likely look to get him involved downfield as well as across the middle, where he can operate in traffic.

 

Andre Ellington, South, RB

Clemson running back Andre Ellington rushed for over 1,000 yards for the second consecutive season in 2012, averaging over five yards per carry and finding the end zone eight times on the ground.

At 5'9", 190 pounds, Ellington possesses a low center of gravity and the ideal size for an NFL running back. He's shifty coming out of the backfield, and although he doesn't always hit the big play when it's there, he's more than capable.

A top-five running back heading into April's 2013 NFL draft, Ellington will surely want to showcase his entire arsenal on Saturday. If there's one back set to break off a big run this weekend it's Ellington.

 

Jamar Taylor, North, DB

Jamar Taylor is a play-making defensive back who is incredibly fun to watch. Taylor led Boise State's secondary with four interceptions this past season. He has seven picks total for his college career.

In addition to picking off passes for the Broncos, Taylor finished fourth on the team in tackles, broke up nine passes and forced three fumbles in 2012, proving to be the team's most disruptive defensive force. Even if Taylor isn't forcing a turnover or altering momentum in some other way, simply watching him play his man in passing situations is almost every bit as entertaining. 

Taylor isn't intimidating from a physical standpoint at 5'11", 195 pounds, but he takes full advantage of his speed and his other physical attributes. 

If he gets his hands on an errant throw on Saturday, look for him to turn out an exciting return. 

 

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter. 

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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish had a disappointing finish to what was a sensational season, but despite that, the future is looking very bright on the offensive side of the ball for this program.

Per 247Sports.com, the Irish have the No. 5 recruiting class in the nation, and that should help them maintain their elite status in the college game.

Let's take a look at some of the studs Notre Dame has recruited who will make the Irish and their offense a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

 

Malik Zaire, QB

Height: 6'1''

Weight: 185 lbs

Zaire is a great athlete who possesses the kind of speed to make plays with his feet, but he is mostly a pass-first quarterback. That same athleticism enables him to move around in the pocket and extend the play before he decides to run.

His arm strength isn't overly impressive, but Zaire has more than sufficient velocity on his throws to fit them in tight spaces. To combat a less-than-stellar arm, Zaire makes accurate throws, both in the pocket and on the run.

What's more impressive is Zaire's ability to make touch passes, and he will normally put the ball where only his receivers can catch it.

 

Mike Heuerman, TE

Height: 6'4''

Weight: 220 lbs

If there's anyone who can replace Tyler Eifert, Heuerman could be the guy.

Heuerman's height is ideal for the position, and at his young age, there is still room to grow. If he can continue to grow upward, Heuerman will be an ideal target in the red zone.

While he displays good hands as a receiver, Heuerman is already a step above the rest as far as blocking is concerned and will only get better as he fills out his frame.

Heuerman's speed isn't special by any means, but he will still be a tough cover for most linebackers in the college game. If he is to catch passes, they certainly won't be big plays down the field.

 

James Onwualu, ATH

Height: 6'1''

Weight: 205 lbs

Onwualu is listed as athlete for the moment because it isn't certain where he will play, but chances are it will be either running back or wide receiver.

He runs the ball with immense physicality as a running back, yet he has the speed to run around defenders in an instant. Onwualu does a great job of waiting for holes to open up, and his experience as a receiver will make him a dangerous threat to catch the ball out of the backfield.

As a receiver, Onwualu needs some work on his route-running skills, but he is fast enough to break away from cornerbacks and make big plays. He has good size and strength that helps him fight off defenders to make tough, contested catches.

Onwualu's versatility is the most intriguing thing about him, and he could be a major player for the Irish in multiple facets.

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This year's NFL draft doesn't have any quarterbacks who are clear-cut lock to be picked in the first round, but the 2013 Senior Bowl could ensure a Round 1 for several prospects at the top of the crop.

There are no Andrew Lucks or Robert Griffin IIIs (drafted first and several overall, respectively) in this year's class, so there's no telling where any of these quarterbacks will land.

A strong showing in the Senior Bowl will greatly improve the draft stock of some of the top signal-callers in the field and should lead to a first-round selection.

Let's take a look at the quarterbacks with a chance to get it done.

 

Mike Glennon, NC State

The NC State product has the ideal height (6'6'') to be a NFL quarterback and Glennon's frame ensures that he can get a clean look down the field to make good throws.

Arm strength is the biggest strength of Glennon's game. He can make all the deep throws in a pro-style offense, but isn't reckless with his big arm and won't try to squeeze the ball into overly tight spaces. His accuracy is sufficient, but his footwork needs some improvement if he wants to have elite precision.

In a new age of quarterbacks who can both throw and run, Glennon is not a dual threat. However, Glennon moves well enough in the pocket to avoid the pass rush and has the ability to make accurate throws on the run.

 

Ryan Nassib, Syracuse

Nassib isn't the tallest guy on the field (6'2''), but his height shouldn't hamper his success in the NFL, as he is tall enough to see over the line.

The former Syracuse signal-caller has excellent arm strength that allows him to fit the ball in tight spaces and pinpoint accuracy is among his strong suits. Nassib must improve on his decision-making, particularly when deciding how hard he needs to throw the ball.

While Nassib is a strong, athletic player, he won't be a scrambler in the NFL. Nassib will no doubt be a pocket passer, but he has the awareness and body strength to avoid the pass rush and make plays with his arm.

 

Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

Wilson (6'3'') likely has the weakest arm of the three quarterbacks mentioned here, although he puts enough zip on his balls to succeed in the NFL. The Arkansas quarterback does need some work in determining what kind of throws his arm strength will allow him to make.

The jury is still out on Wilson's accuracy and it's clear that he is not consistent enough at this point. An improvement on his mechanics (namely his footwork) will go a long way in making him NFL-ready.

The forte of the former-Arkansas signal-caller is his arm mechanics, which allow for a quick release and tight spirals. When the pocket breaks down, Wilson is a good enough athlete to make things happen, but he must be careful not to leave too early.

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National signing day is just around the corner and a number of talented players are still undecided on where they will play their college football. While a number of the top prospects still available are on the defensive side of they play, there are still some great offense players.

Here are predictions of where the top undecided players on the offensive side of the ball will end up enrolling.

 

Laremy Tunsil, OT

Tunsil is viewed as the best offensive line prospect. He has incredible size at 6'6", 295 pounds, but is still very athletic. 247Sports.com has Tunsil listed as the fourth-ranked prospect overall and the top offensive tackle. 

Tunsil's decision likely comes down to Alabama and Georgia. With the offensive line changes that Alabama faces, Tunsil could come in and get an opportunity to fight for a job right away. He's talented and strong enough that Tunsil is capable of doing that and doing it well. 

Prediction: Alabama

 

Alex Collins, RB

Collins is the top-ranked running back according to 247Sports.com and the 17th-ranked prospect overall. Collins was previously committed to Miami before decommitting and re-evaluating his offers. The running back is very good in every aspect of the position and can have an impact immediately depending on his choice of school. 

While he visited Florida and is interested in Arkansas, Collins would benefit from ending up at Miami. The school is known for pumping out top running backs who have found success in the NFL. The school could use a running back as it only had two players rush over 100 yards last season, with one of those players graduating. 

Prediction: Miami

 

Stacy Coley, WR

Coley is one of the premier wide receivers in the class of 2013. 247Sports.com has him ranked as the fourth-best receiver and the 56th-best prospect overall. Coley is lengthy at 6'1", 175 pounds, but does use the size he has fairly well. He's great at catching the ball and was a decent route-runner in high school.

He's been seen as Florida State-bound, but Miami's hiring of James Coley as offensive coordinator could mean a switch for the wide receiver. The new offensive coordinator was a big reason why the receiver was interested in Florida State. At Miami, Coley could get fast play time and be the guy in that offense. 

Prediction: Miami 

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