The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/144506
commitment profile home made U-M the natural choice. "They were one of the first to offer me," Furbush said. "We really have grown to learn more about each other and understand more about each other. Getting around to see all the other schools made Michigan stand out. "I had a tremendous opportunity to go around and see a lot of great places. What separated Michigan was to be close to my family, friends and everyone who supported me back at home." Kenton High School has produced a few other Division I players. That includes two of Mauk's own sons, quarterbacks Ben (Wake Forest, 2003) and Maty (Missouri, 2012). The proud father admits, though, that Furbush is the best he's ever coached. "He was the most highly recruited player we've had at Kenton in the 30 years I've been here," he said of his young standout. "We had coaches from all over the country here that we'd never had here before. All very high on him and interested in recruit‑ ing him. "That first impression of going up and meeting Coach [Brady] Hoke and the Michigan staff, and that be‑ ing his initial offer I think ended up a big factor in him deciding that was where he wanted to play football." Furbush joins fellow Ohioan Mi‑ chael Ferns and Pittsburgh product Chase Winovich in U-M's linebacker group in the 2014 class. — Tim Sullivan Film Evaluation Strengths: Furbush is an excellent athlete. Given his above-average size, he can move his body very well. At the high school level, he has played primarily going forward and is a heat-seeking missile for the ball carrier. He is a tackle for loss specialist who can get into the backfield in a hurry. Furbush also plays with a destructive attitude, something that will make Greg Mattison very happy. He doesn't want to simply take down the quarterback or running back, he wants to inflict pain and force fumbles. Areas Of Improvement: For all his athletic ability, Furbush has not been asked to cover the pass extensively in his high school career. Shifting from Sam linebacker to inside linebacker, he will have to work on lateral agility and overall movement to contribute at Michigan. Furbush is also unaccustomed to competing against high-level talent. He plays in the fourth-largest of seven high school divisions in Ohio, and playing against the best of the best at the college level will take an adjustment period. Michigan Player Comparison: Jonas Mouton (2005-09) was a pass-rushing terror at Michigan, and learned later in his career to play with more discipline and not get out of position. Furbush isn't quite as athletic, but will have the advantage of high-level coaching throughout his Michigan career. — Analysis from TheWolverine.com