From the film room: Sione Houma

Michigan commitment Sione Houma fulfills a need at the fullback position for the Wolverines. The 6-0, 211-pound, Salt Lake City, Utah, native might not be ready to start immediately but observers like his potential to grow into a multi-purpose back. Here, our film analyst evaluates his potential ...

Our anonymous film evaluator is a former two-year starter along the offensive line that garnered All-Big Ten first-team honors for the Maize and Blue.

Strengths - Strong runner that does not go down with soft tackling. Houma does a nice job of keeping his shoulders up field, even when he makes a lateral move. He also keeps those shoulders pitched forward, which helps him break those soft tackles. I like the way he attacks the line of scrimmage with full speed. He likes to power his way through the hole instead of picking his way. Houma showed soft hands in his film as well.

Areas of Improvement - I'd like to know how he pass blocks. His Rivals.com film only showed him picking up one pass block and he did well running his opponent into the ground. All backs at Michigan are going to have to step up and crush blitzing linebackers. This isn't an area of improvement as much as it is a question mark for me. However, I'm sure the Michigan staff knows how well Houma can pass block and that is good enough for me.

College Projection - Halfback or fullback.

Michigan Player Comparison - Anthony Thomas [1997-2000]. The A-Train had good speed but not lightning fast speed. He was a tough runner with good vision, balance, and did a great job of crumbling linebackers when he blocked.

Bottom Line - Brady Hoke is looking for players that are big, strong, fast, and play a tough brand of football. Houma fits all of these categories. I love the way he falls forward on each carry. He fights for extra footage through the tackles. He hits the line with his shoulders down and eyes up looking for the opening.

When Houma learns how to crumble Big Ten linebackers he'll be fun to watch. This is the type of back that Michigan fans will love to see bruise opponents down the field.