Monday, February 9, 2009

Jerald Robinson, Wolverine


Reports surfaced late Sunday evening that Jerald Robinson, a wide receiver from Canton South High School in Canton, OH, would commit to Michigan. This came as a bit of a surprise because many (including me) didn't know Robinson had a Michigan offer. He's a Rivals 250 to Watch player and, therefore, probably in line to be a 4-star recruit. On Monday he made it "official" by announcing it himself.

STATISTICS
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 175 lbs.
40 time: 4.59 seconds
Sophomore year: 600 yards, 4 TD's
Junior year: 34 receptions, 756 yards, 7 TD's. (Defense: 7 interceptions)

SCOUTING REPORT
From what I've seen of Robinson, he's a good - not great - athlete. He's willing and able to catch the ball in traffic, whether it's across the middle or jump balls downfield. He's not a great route runner, but that will probably come. His speed is reported at 4.59; considering that many high school players exaggerate their forty times, he's probably closer to a 4.65 or so. He gets caught from behind too often for an elite athlete, so that's a question mark. Also a solid safety prospect, he likes to come up and support the run. His physicality is evidenced by his willingness to be a downfield blocker.

PROJECTION
First of all, I will be somewhat surprised if Robinson is still committed to Michigan on Signing Day 2010. He is the third wide receiver commit for the class of 2010 and arguably the least talented. Early in the recruiting process, it was reported that he heavily favored Ohio State. Michigan offered Robinson (OSU hasn't yet) and perhaps won his favor because of it, but that doesn't mean he'll favor Michigan for the remainder of the process. There are several other elite Michigan receivers on their board, and I foresee - unfortunately - a decommitment on his part or a Jordan Barnes-like mutual parting of ways. If Robinson does stay on board, he's a physically mature receiver who might be ready to contribute early. However, with the glut of outside receivers expected to be on Michigan's roster in 2010 (Hemingway, Clemons, Stonum, Roundtree, and fellow 2010 recruits Jeremy Jackson and Ricardo Miller), I doubt Robinson would contribute as a freshman. It's quite possible that he'll redshirt.

BEST CASE SCENARIO
Greg Mathews, minus the mediocre punt returns

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