Last year when ND and Michigan squared off it was a battle between two top ten teams who both had national title hopes. How the world has flipped in the span of a year. Both teams are 2-0 both teams have shown absolutely no life whatsoever. And both teams will be starting a freshman quarterback on Saturday Afternoon now that Chad Henne has been declared out for Saturday's Contest. Thus piting Ryan Mallet, the #4 ranked player on Rivals.com vs. Jimmy Clausen the #1 ranked player on Rivals.com. Here are some scouting reports for the two NFL prospects.
Ryan Mallett, Texarkana (TX) Texas High -- Class of 2007
All the attention seemed to focus on Jimmy Clausen during the 2006 season, but Mallett has better physical tools and showed far more upside while playing against better competition during his high school career. Mallett is a great fit for Michigan's offense, and redshirting behind Chad Henne this season year will do wonders for his development. He has prototypical NFL size and a powerful arm to stretch the field and attack the deep zones, so don't be surprised if he ends up being a three- or four-year starter for the Wolverines. From Tom Luginbill at ESPN.com
Jimmy Clausen, Westlake Village (CA) Oaks Christian -- Class of 2007
Called a “10-year prospect” by many who cover California high school football, Clausen has put up gaudy statistics and won a state championship as a senior. What gets lost with all the talk of leading Notre Dame to the promised land and 60-plus touchdowns in a season, is that Clausen has serious football tools to back up the hype. He has a strong arm, an extremely quick release and razor sharp accuracy. He’s got excellent size and a good frame for a college or pro quarterback. His presence in the pocket and the feel he has for the game are very advanced for a high school player. You combine that with his physical tools and it’s obvious that he’s special. From Rivals.com
So as a Michigan fan, instead of being 2-0 and looking forward to pounding Notre Dame and challenging for a BCS spot, we get to watch a Notre Dame Michigan Futures game. Isn't that just lovely.
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