The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/544673
COMMITMENT PROFILE "Josh Metellus is an interesting re- cruit for Michigan for a number of different reasons," Cassidy said. "As a player, it's easy to see why Michigan's staff likes him and sees the upside of him, despite him being ranked as a two-star prospect. This is a defensive back with size and some quickness, too. "He's not the fastest corner on the block, but he's quick enough for his big frame. If he gets even bigger he could play safety, but I think Michi- gan likes him at corner as a big, bulky guy on the outside. "He's very physical. He needs to work on flipping his hips and running downfield, along with his back pedal. Those are things you can coach, but the size and quickness are both there for Metellus. He's not a ready-made starter when he gets to Michigan, but down the road he's the kind of player who can compete in the Big Ten. "Obviously big picture-wise it helps out with Devin Bush [Rivals' No. 6 inside linebacker nationally]. Metellus is the second kid from Flanagan in the 2016 class that Michigan has landed and that cannot hurt. Bush is consid- ering Michigan strongly and could end up a Wolverine. With two of his teammates there, he could feel right at home." Metellus and Gil admit the two of them are working hard on their prep teammate. Metellus isn't shy about the mission they are on now when it comes to Bush. The two defensive backs would love to continue playing behind him in college as well. "We're trying to get Devin up there with us for sure," Metellus said. "I have already started talking to him, but he's still undecided." — Brandon Brown FILM EVALUATION Strengths: The main thing that stands out about Metellus is his physicality. Play after play he shows that he loves contact and brings the wood when he hits receivers or ball carriers. He likely wouldn't test off the charts athletically when it comes to speed and agility, but he's a football player. He shows good instincts and makes plays on the ball by being in the right place at the right time. Areas of Improvement: Metellus is going to have to work as hard as he can to improve the things that don't come naturally to him. Foot speed, quickness and agility aren't on an elite level, and that can sometimes be problematic at the college level. If he works hard in the weight room those traits can improve and would pair well with his instincts and football IQ. Michigan Player Comparison: Jordan Kovacs (2009-12) was never an elite athlete, but he managed to make plays and become a mainstay in the Michi- gan secondary. Metellus has the ability to be the same kind of physical pres- ence in the defensive backfield with slightly more athleticism and size. — Analysis from TheWolverine.com