On the Big Ten Network’s Michigan special last night, head coach Rich Rodriguez revealed that defensive tackle John Ferrara has moved to the offensive line. What does this mean?
For the defense, the dpeth at tackle is probably developing well. Despite the loss of Marques Slocum, the unit could clearly afford the loss of a depth player who was decent, but nothing special. Renaldo Sagesse and Jason Kates are likely turning into capable backups, meaning that Ferrara was free to move elsewhere.
For the offense, this adds another body to a unit that sorely needs some depth. With both Corey Zirbel (a projected starter) and Mark Huyge (a key backup) out of the time being with injuries (a minor ligament issue and a high ankle sprain, respectively), he can help make sure there are enough players to have backups. Also making up for Zirbel’s loss, David Molk will move in as the starter at center, and David Moosman will move to guard.
Ferrara will likely get a better shot at playing time than he would have on the other side of the ball, and his reported strong summer in the weight room can help him become a contributor.
Posted under Personnel
Tags: depth chart, Football, john ferrara, personnel
MGOBLOG Theory of position switches: if you are starting or considering starting a guy who was playing somewhere else a year ago, that position is in trouble
Hard to take comfort in Ferrara moving to OL, which might be our weakest unit of the team. D-Line depth wasn’t all that great to begin with since Slocum left.
And Kevin Newsome just decommitted
Tate Forcier or Eugene Smith, step on up!
A couple things about the MGoBlog-ism:
1. If you didn’t already know that O-line is a trouble position for Michigan in 2008, you’ve been living under a rock.
2. There are a couple other points: Ferrara wouldn’t be moving unless he was out of the 2-deep (which he apparently is, behind Renaldo Sagesse and Jason Kates, as well as possibly true frosh Mike Martin). He has not produced at DT so far in his career, so the move is a little less troubling.
Ferrara simply impressed RR with work ethic and dedication to helping the team . He is a smart player that is able to make the change -picking up the offense quickly.He is also a good blocker from what I understand that will have more quickness then the average O-lineman. This I believe is fit in with a great deal of pulling play and screens. Also look for Ferrara to be tackle eligible on goal line plays.Its going to be interesting.