The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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MAIZE N' VIEW MICHAEL SPATH would add four-stars Josh Garnett, an offensive lineman from Washington who picked Stanford; Armani Reeves, a defensive back from Massachusetts who signed with Ohio State; Jordan Diamond, an offensive lineman from Chicago who will attend Auburn; and three-star Sam Grant, a tight end from Ohio who inked with Oklahoma. Surprisingly, the Wolverines didn't I n the final week leading up to National Signing Day Feb. 1, Michigan fans were hopeful U-M sign any of the four. However, U-M would end up with two late addi- tions: three-star defensive tackle Wil- lie Henry and four-star utility back Dennis Norfleet, the latter being too small at 5-7 to be an every-down ball carrier in the Maize and Blue's pro- style offense. While many recruiting fanatics Four-star utility back Dennis Norfleet, who has been compared to New Orleans Saints standout Darren Sproles, could make an immediate impact at U-M as a kick returner. PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM Morris said. "He is the most dynamic athlete in the nation, I think. You go into seven-on-sevens and see him play, and there's not another player on the field that can do anything like he does. He makes cuts without changing speed at all. "He's ridiculous. He's one of the lamented U-M's fortune, and ques- tioned the coaching staff for offering a pair of prospects some likely felt were last-minute backup plans, 2013 quar- terback commitment Shane Morris reveled in the news Norfleet would be wearing a winged helmet upon the QB's eventual arrival. "He brings everything to the table," in 86 catches for 710 yards (8.3-yard average) and seven touchdowns. He also returned 40 kickoffs and 29 punts. Michigan hasn't featured a multi- Late Signees Could Be Values gan offense, but you get a talent like that and you find a place for him." Norfleet wasn't the only late addi- "He's not a natural fit for the Michi- tion to this class. While Norfleet made bigger head- lines, declaring for U-M in the early hours of National Signing Day, Henry announced for Michigan one day earlier, Jan. 31. A 6-2, 270-pound de- fensive tackle playing at one of the country's most consistent football factories, Cleveland Glenville, Henry is not the kind of kid that normally goes unnoticed — most of his scholar- ship offers before the Maize and Blue were from Mid-American Conference programs — but he slipped through primarily because he only began play- ing defense during his senior season. "We watched the tape on him, and faceted athlete equally as talented, arguably, since Steve Breaston de- parted in 2006. Breaston had 42 career carries and 156 receptions, and is U-M's career record-holder in kickoff returns (81) and yards (1,993), and in punt returns (127), yards (1,599) and touchdowns (four, sharing it with two others). "Michigan said they were going to here was a young man who had re- ally, really developed," U-M defen- sive coordinator Greg Mattison said. "His film jumped off the screen to us, and we said, 'This is a guy we really want.' We were fortunate we were able to get him." In Michigan's 4-3 defense, its two fastest players out there. He's short, but he's jacked. He's a huge kid, and catches everything." Norfleet rushed for 3,913 yards and use me in a place where I can help the team and contribute," Norfleet said. "Basically, they are going to use me at kick return, punt return and some slot and running back." Fifth-year senior wide receiver Dar- 58 touchdowns over his final two seasons at Detroit Martin Luther King High School, but he doesn't project to earn 15-20 attempts per game some- day during his career. A skilled returnman, Norfleet could be a faster version of senior Vincent Smith, who averaged five offensive touches per Saturday in 2011. Or a better comparison might be to the New Orleans Saints' Darren Sproles. In 2011, Sproles set an NFL single- ryl Stonum was supposed to be the solution at kick returner in 2012 after U-M averaged just 18.4 yards per return — its lowest total since 2000 (17.1) — but Stonum was dismissed in January after violating terms of his probation. Norfleet could be the answer. "His strength is in open space," Ri- interior tackles have different re- sponsibilities. The true nose guard, a one-technique, is expected to occupy blockers, plug holes and occasion- ally make plays in the backfield. The three-technique is expected to pen- etrate and create chaos. Henry, with a quick burst off the snap and good use of his hands, is an ideal three-tech- nique that could partner with five-star nose Ondre Pipkins. "You go back and read all these season record with 2,696 all-purpose yards, rushing for 603 yards on 87 car- ries (5.4-yard average), while hauling 114 THE WOLVERINE MARCH 2012 vals.com Midwest recruiting analyst Josh Helmholdt said. "We saw it a lot in seven-on-seven. He tore them all up because, even in two-hand touch, guys weren't able to get a hand on him. He's so elusive in the open field. He's so quick and shifty, and he goes zero to full speed instantly. articles about Willie when he was at the Nike combine in Columbus, and he didn't lose a one-on-one match," Michigan defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery said. "The film doesn't lie. He may not have been well de- veloped as a junior, but you get to his senior year and the kid matured, for whatever reason. He's a heck of a player, and we're happy to have him." ❏ Associate Editor Michael Spath has been with The Wolverine since 2002. Contact him at mspath@comcast.net and follow him on Twitter @Spath_ Wolverine.