The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/544673
COMMITMENT PROFILE because I knew the coaches a little bit more. Once I learned more about the Michigan coaches, there was no reason for them not to be number one. "I talked to my mom as soon as I got off the phone when he offered. She said maybe we could visit at the end of the summer. She has some vacation days, and we may try to get up there, but it's not guaranteed." The trip to Ann Arbor will be a Mid- west return for Weaver. A native of Central Indiana — who played quar- terback at his previous high school before transitioning to defensive end as a sophomore in his first year at Coo- per City — he said getting back to his home region was certainly appealing. So too was the academic factor for a prospect who wants to become a doc- tor at the conclusion of his football- playing days. Although his team struggled to a 5-6 record last fall, Weaver has improved his game this offseason and is ready to lead the team to a stronger year, and perhaps earn some individual honors. He started as both a defensive end and tight end for the Cowboys last year, and the goal is to lead his team from both sides of the ball. — Tim Sullivan FILM EVALUATION Strengths: Weaver is a good natural athlete from a strength perspective and when it comes to his overall game speed. He can run by the offensive linemen in front of him or use his powerful frame to control the player and close the pocket. He shows an outstanding motor to keep pursuing plays from the back- side (or downfield) and doesn't give up on them. Weaver also has a big enough frame to play a number of positions up front, whether it's his more natural defensive end position, as a pass-rushing line- backer or even defensive tackle. He's a big, lumbering tight end on offense, but could even contribute there at the next level if that's where he's needed most. Areas of Improvement: Weaver has plenty of room for improvement in his technique. He tends to stand straight up off the ball, exposing his chest to of- fensive linemen's blocks. He is also limited in the use of his hands at the line of scrimmage, and he'll have to improve that for the college game when he's not simply the best athlete on the field. Weaver's first step off the snap is sometimes a touch slow, and while his over- all speed lets him make up for it, he'll have to maintain his conditioning to keep or improve his initial quickness once he adds more weight at the college level. Michigan Player Comparison: Chris Wormley (2012-present) arrived in Ann Arbor as a physical marvel who needed technique work to reach his full po- tential. Entering his upperclassman years, he's starting to blossom, capable of playing both inside and outside on the line. With consistent coaching, Weaver may be able to make similar strides. — Analysis from TheWolverine.com