The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1212135
2020 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE Man-to-man coverage is primarily what the Wolverines' defense runs under Brown's guidance. Dennis' skill set is built for that style of play, one reason why there may be some lobbying going on to use him in the defensive backfield, as opposed to at wide receiver. "On defense, I like playing man-to- man, just following my man around with help over the top," Dennis said. "I feel like they want me on the de- fensive side, but I'd rather play offense." If he were to line up for offensive coordina- tor Josh Gattis' "speed in space" spread attack, Dennis would fit right in. "I feel like I'm best on the field at having the ball in space, making my move and having enough field to score," Dennis said. "That's what they do over there, and I feel like I would be best in that offense." "I feel like a [Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver] Tyreek Hill-type," Dennis said, comparing his game to one of the NFL's fastest and best re- ceivers. "You can put me in the back- field, the slot, at wideout. I can play all around." His slight preference to play of- fense is overshadowed by an even deeper desire to contribute to U-M's success by lining up wherever he is needed the most. "Whatever is going to get me on the field, I'm more than willing to play," Dennis said. "I've been talking to different coaches on offense and defense, but we'll see once I get there." ❑ Dennis "Whatever is going to get me on the field, I'm more than willing to play." MARCH 2020 THE WOLVERINE 37 DID YOU KNOW? • Had three kick re- turn touchdowns as a senior, and is the all- time leader in kick return touchdowns in Central Massachusetts history. • Scored 19 touchdowns as a senior and 16 as a junior. • Ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash at Nike's The Opening Re- gional. Also posted a 4.33-second shuttle run and a 40.0-inch vertical. THEY SAID IT • Rivals Mid-Atlantic recruiting analyst Adam Friedman: "Dennis brings a lot of speed to the Wolverines and Josh Gattis' new offense. He can be used in a number of ways. Dennis has shown off very good hands, but the way he makes defenders miss in the open field should encourage Michigan to get him the ball as much as possible. As an all-pur- pose back, you could see Dennis get targeted for screen passes and other short routes, and be allowed to create big plays with his feet." • St. John's High School head coach John An- dreoli: "He's just a football player. He may wind up in the slot, you can put him outside the num- bers, he can take it out of the backfield, he can carry the ball. He's a guy who could, with a little weight, play the viper on defense. He's just really a versatile kid." EAMONN DENNIS ATHLETE 5-10 • 173 ST. JOHN'S HIGH SCHOOL WORCESTER, MASS. RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE ✪ ✪ ✪ — 82* 5 ✪ ✪ ✪ 571 36^ 5 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 39^ 5 * Ranked as a wide receiver; ^ ranked as an athlete HONORS • Named the Central Massachusetts Offensive Most Valuable Player in 2019. • Included on the MHSFCA Super 26 All-State team for Massachusetts as a senior. • Selected for the (Worcester) Tele- gram & Gazette All-Star team as a se- nior; he was the Player of the Year. • Helped St. John's to district and state championships in 2017 and 2018. RECRUITMENT • Co m m i t t e d t o M i c h i g a n o n June 24, 2019. • Also had offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida and Georgia, among others. • Recruited by defensive coordi- nator Don Brown and cornerbacks coach Mike Zordich. Dennis was selected for the Massachusetts High School F o o t b a l l C o a c h e s ' S u p e r 26 All- State team at wide receiver as a senior. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM