Michigan Preview 2012: Offense

Trevor Yealy Scores A Lot. Photo via mgoblue.

I’ll go right ahead and admit that previewing Michigan is going to be hard this year. They’re changing levels of competition from club to D-1, there is more roster turnover than probably ever again (OK, maybe there will be more after 2012), and it’s unclear which guys were good enough to star on the club level, but barely get on the field in D-1. Take all guesses as just that: guesses.

Last year’s offense was very good for the MCLA level. Most MCLA teams don’t keep a full book of stats, so we can’t compare with any sort of context, it’s fair to assume that the general level of offensive play (and therefore offensive efficiency). However, if we apply to NCAA Division-1 – something it should be noted we can’t do, thanks to differences in level of competition – Michigan’s number was top-quarter. One must assume it would have been even better compared to MCLA teams. This is what you’d expect of a team that loses two games in four years.

Against the few talented defenses on the docket, however, the offense had its fair share of struggles. The Arizona State MCLA semifinal loss is one example of this. It was a slow game, and neither offense played well. ASU keeper Dylan Westfall played an exceptional game, and Arizona State was one of the 2-3 teams in the league that Michigan didn’t have a distinct talent advantage over.

Now, Michigan will be at a talent deficit in nearly every game (Sorry Mercer), so the tables have turned. They picked up one of the bright young offensive coordinators in the game, which should help, but they’re probably a year or two from getting up to the talent level throughout the roster that will help them level the playing field.

Personnel

This is where things get tough. Who is ready to take the leap to the varsity level? At the position(s) where there is no obvious answer, which freshman (or freshmen) will be ready to step up? I think one thing is safe to assume and that is the continued reliance on…

Attackman Trevor Yealy. A four-time first-team all-american at the MCLA level, Yealy is one of the highest-scoring players in league history. He has the Division-1 size (6-4, 180), but the question is whether his go-to tactics – primarily consisting of “find self wide open on the crease” – will work against faster-sliding, more physical defenses. Of course, Yealy worked hard to find those openings, something that goes unnoticed when you simply see him catch-and-schoot watching the ball. He’s also diversified his game in the past couple years, playing one wing on faceoffs, and acting as more of a dodger. His production won’t be absurd like it has been in the past, but he will still lead the team in goals – if not scoring.

Fellow attack Thomas Paras has been limited due to injury this spring, and it’s unclear when he’ll be able to return at 100%. He did plenty of dodging from behind cage last season, and I believe (I can’t confirm, because the stats from last year’s Michigan club team have fallen into the internet memory hole with the D-1 promotion) he was the second-leading scorer for Michigan last year, with a more even distribution of goals and assists.

Freshman attack Will Meter was an All-American for Brother Rice last year, and seeing him in the starting lineup is expected at this point. He was almost strictly a quarterback from X for the Warriors last year – a luxury the best team in the state by a country mile can afford – but was more versatile in his role in fall scrimmages, with more of a dodger/scorer role in his arsenal.

The fourth attack of note is something of a revelation. Dave McCormac is a freshman walkon who has impressed so far this spring. The 5-11, 155-pounder doesn’t look the part (yet), but he was one of Michigan’s most composed players in their scrimmage against Denison last weekend in which he scored three goals.

Ryan Dutton-O’Hara, a St. John’s transfer, played a decently-sized role on the club team last spring, but had to sit out the fall due to his unconventional path to Michigan, and it’s unclear at this point how much he’s back in the mix.

At midfield, sophomore Doug Bryant stepped up in the fall, and he looks poised to continue doing just that. He has good size and a strong shot, two things that are an important part of the arsenal for a successful midfielder.

Alex Vasileff was a bull dodger extraordinaire last year, and though the senior is going to find Division-1 d-middies a little tougher to run past/through, he also has a good shot and other tools to contribute as a complete offensive player.

Willie Steenland contributed at midfield last year, and should have the chance to do the same this year. He has Division-1 size, and like the rest of the club players some experience at the college level.

Stephen Levitt and Jeff Chu are little guys that have excellent wheels, and the ability to beat defenders with their feet. Chu has played mostly attack in the past, but it sounds like he has the ability to run in the midfield, as well.

There are plenty of young players at both attack and midfield who will get the chance to step up over the course of the year. They’re the future of the program, and the coaching staff will look to them to prepare the team for coming years.

Overview

Michigan’s offense is in good hands with Judd Lattimore. He’s stressing fundamentals and stickwork to the 2012 team, and he’s going to continue doing that in the future, but it won’t be such a focus when the Wolverines’ talent level is on par with the competition. This year, they have to do the little things to win. Schematically, their motion schemes will be on par with some of the best teams in the country. The question is what they’ll be able to execute against bigger, faster, strong competition than they’ve ever had to face before.

Yealy won’t be the goal-hoarding machine that he was in the MCLA, and things won’t be as easy for some of Michigan’s players as they’re used to seeing. The infusion of some young blood – and serious talent – is an obvious help. From Game One to Game Fourteen, this will be a much-improved offense, but there could be some serious jitters in the beginning.