Welcome Cameron McGrone

Michigan Adds Cameron McGrone (2018) 

Written By: @VinnyRico_

The Facts

Newest Michigan football commit for the 2018 class is Cameron McGrone from Indianapolis, Indiana. He is ranked as the 14^th best outside linebacker in the country and the 217^th best prospect overall in the composite rankings. Although, 247 sports has him ranked as high as 3^rd best OLB and 40^th best player overall in the country. Most likely the reason for the huge discrepancy in the rankings is the fact that he tore his ACL six games into his JR year. Both McGrone and his coaches say that is back at 100% now heading into his final season of high school ball. He has descent size at 6’1 215 and runs between a 4.47 – 4.67 (both times listed on different sites), which if you split the difference is a pretty good time for a LB. It remains to be seen if he will retain that speed coming back from a serious injury but neither McGrone nor his coaches seemed worried. He is the second LB in this class with Otis Reese being recruited to play the viper position.

The Person

Cam has been described as a leader and the most NFL ready player his coach has ever worked with. Prior to his injury, he was the leader of the defense and a team captain. His coaches have stated he has the mentality to play at the next level. He’s team oriented, self-motivated, hard working, and a great student. He’s currently taking AP and honors classes and plans to study kinesiology, physical therapy, or sports medicine. He said of himself that he’s “great on the field, but even better greater in the classroom.” Regardless of if he ever starts for the Wolverines, I love what he brings to the team in terms of his intangibles. Leaders are hard to come by and leadership is one of the most important traits for a linebacker to have.

The Tape

McGrone is a great fit in this defense as a weak side LB in my opinion. He is constantly in the backfield. Always fighting through blocks. He would eat in Don Brown’s blitz heavy packages. He has the speed to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. He’s the prototypical linebacker the staff has been recruiting; fast, aggressive, downhill, and athletic. He is constantly moving. Once he makes up his mind on where he’s going, he arrives with a thump. He reminds me a lot of Mike McCray. He’s not the biggest hitter, a la Josh Metellus, but does make his presence known and is a sure tackler. Cam is a relentless worker who plays whistle to whistle. When he’s not blitzing, he’s patient and trusts his eyes. There isn’t much tape of him in coverage, but he back pedals well and keeps his eyes on the QB when in zone. He plays bigger than his 6’1 215 frame and can be seen throwing blockers to the wayside to get to his target.

The Summary

Cameron McGrone is a good pick up for the staff. Once he gets back on the field, don’t be surprised if he shoots up the rankings. This kid can play and wants to get better. At 215 pounds, I do expect him to put on some more muscle when he gets to campus. He will thrive both on and off the field in the competitive atmosphere that Harbaugh has built around this team. Welcome to the Michigan Family Cameron McGrone, you’ve made a great lifetime decision. Go Blue!