The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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COMMITMENT PROFILE Ohio Linebacker Ben Gedeon Has The Total Package earning first-team All-Ohio Division I honors from the Associated Press as a linebacker, and also starting on the other side of the ball at tailback. The 6-3, 220-pounder rushed for 1,418 yards and 19 touchdowns on 196 carries (7.2 yards per attempt) and made 138 total tackles on defense. That's a testament to his talent and his hard work. "I'm a biology teacher, so I tell my are known for their freakish athleti- cism and their exploits on the field. After all, that's why colleges are re- cruiting them. However, some players provide more than just their physical talents. Hudson, Ohio, linebacker Ben Gedeon is one such athlete. He certainly is no slouch on the field, Most high school football prospects kids, 'When you don't make it, blame your parents,'" Hudson High football coach Ron Wright said with a laugh. "It's all about the genetics. It's about understanding where you came from, taking what you have and your abili- ties that the gene pool gave you, and doing what you're supposed to do. This kid has done that. He's an ex- tremely hard-working kid." Wright is quick to point out that Gedeon is every bit as good off the field as he is on it. "This is the kind of kid that you want your daughter to marry," he said. "Even if he doesn't play a lick, he will always be there for Michigan. He will always be a guy that will work hard in the weight room, in the class- room, and do the right things. Every Gedeon recorded 138 tackles last fall and was one of four juniors on the Associated Press All- Ohio Division I first team. now and then he might screw up — every kid does that — but if you're looking for a kid that has the total package, this kid's got it." Gedeon's recruiting process started PHOTO COURTESY RIVALS.COM in earnest last June with a trip to Mich- igan's annual summer camp. The Wol- verines offered shortly thereafter, and were followed by Stanford, Ohio State and Penn State. He saw a couple of schools in person this fall during the football season. "I went to the Ohio State-Akron game, Penn State-Alabama game and the Michigan-Ohio State game," he said. "They were definitely some im- pressive stadiums. It was a pretty cool experience." Strengths: Gedeon is an elite athlete, as demonstrated by his ability to play on both sides of the football. As a linebacker, he displays good instincts to find the ball carrier in traffic. He has more than enough burst to close the gap and make plays on the runner. He shows good understanding of schemes and the ability to play as part of the system, something exceptional athletes sometimes have trouble with when they're the best guy on the field. Areas Of Improvement: Gedeon's running style on offense demonstrates the FILM EVALUATION steps, Gedeon is also blazing a new trail. He's the most talented Gedeon yet and should excel on the field in college. "All of the brothers have played sive for a high school junior, and he should have no trouble putting on enough weight to play in the Big Ten. Michigan Player Comparison: Carl Diggs was a starter for the Wolverines in 2002 and 2003, and used his athleticism and size to play multiple positions in the linebacker unit. Although Gedeon is a bit bigger than the 6-1, 245-pound Diggs, the two show similar play-recognition abilities and the mentality to at- tack downhill. — Analysis From TheWolverine.com one main issue he has on defense, as well. He plays very upright at times, which as a running back leaves his body exposed for big hits. On defense, it means that he sometimes has trouble bringing down the runner on first contact. Gedeon doesn't have the size of a college linebacker — yet. His mass is impres- both ways, but from the seventh grade on, Ben was always better than every- body," Wright said. "That's why you go to Michigan: because you're better than everybody." Gedeon's abilities have earned him the ranking as Rivals.com's No. 223 player and No. 8 inside linebacker in the class of 2013. He is the second line- backer to join Michigan's recruiting class — along with Trotwood (Ohio) Madison prospect Mike McCray — and the eighth player from the state of Ohio. — Tim Sullivan MAY 2012 THE WOLVERINE 49 he knew that no school would be able to compare to Michigan. He pulled the trigger for the Wolverines April 10, becoming the third member of his family to play football in college. His older brother Alex was a captain for Harvard's squad this season, and Sam played for the U.S. Naval Academy's sprint football team. While he's following in family foot- and the location, and the relation- ships with the coaches and the play- ers," Gedeon explained. "I looked at their players and how they like their program." Following a trip to Stanford April 7, Gedeon knew that he had found the right school for him. "Obviously the education is big, When he committed to Michigan,